completely fail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely fail" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the concept of failing in an absolute and total way. For example: "I was expecting to ace the test, but I ended up completely failing it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It will completely fail, of course".

The New York Times

That meant wanting America to succeed, or at least not completely fail — whatever that might be.

The New Yorker

So the intentional walk doesn't completely fail this time I guess?

The Guardian - Sport

I'm guessing that we will not completely fail in doing that for Battlefront".

The Guardian - Tech

"EpiPens can stop the reaction in its tracks or completely fail to save a person.

The Guardian

I completely fail to spot the fact that I've been sitting next to two supermodels (Petra Nemcova and Karolina Kurkova).

The Guardian - Tech

It is only under "very rare circumstances" that the brake system would completely fail, Mr. Batyko said.

The New York Times

Fewer clubs now reach the precipice but many still find themselves at war with owners who completely fail to understand them or the clubs they own.

The Guardian - Sport

The reality is that tech-based solutions completely fail to address that poverty and inequality are, at their heart, about the distribution of power.

The Guardian - Tech

Typically made of steel and concrete, it is designed to prevent — for a time — melting fuel rods from spewing radiation into the environment if cooling efforts completely fail.

The New York Times

The common responses – "Why didn't she kick up a fuss?" and "I'd have kicked him where it hurts" – are understandable, but they completely fail to take in to account the power dynamic inherent in many such cases.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "completely fail" to emphasize the totality of a failure, distinguishing it from partial or limited setbacks. This phrase is suitable when something not only fails, but does so in a comprehensive and undeniable manner.

Common error

Avoid using "completely fail" when a situation only experiences minor setbacks or partial success. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact, saving it for situations where the failure is truly absolute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely fail" functions as a predicate, describing the state of something not succeeding at all. It intensifies the verb "fail" with the adverb "completely", highlighting the totality of the failure. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is very common in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "completely fail" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to emphasize the total lack of success. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is commonly found in contexts such as news, science, and general writing. While versatile, it's best used when a failure is truly comprehensive. Remember to use it accurately to maintain impact and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly break down

Emphasis on a complete loss of functionality or effectiveness.

totally collapse

Implies a sudden and dramatic failure, often with significant consequences.

fall flat

Suggests a failure to achieve the intended effect or generate interest.

prove entirely unsuccessful

A more formal way of saying something did not succeed at all.

come to nothing

Indicates a lack of positive outcome or result after effort or investment.

be a total disaster

Focuses on the catastrophic nature and negative consequences of the failure.

flop completely

Suggests a failure that is both obvious and often embarrassing.

miss the mark entirely

Indicates a failure to achieve a specific goal or target.

go down in flames

Evokes a vivid image of a spectacular and devastating failure.

fail miserably

Highlights the poor quality and extent of the failure.

FAQs

What does "completely fail" mean?

The phrase "completely fail" means to experience a total and utter lack of success. It implies that something did not achieve its intended purpose or goal in any way.

How can I use "completely fail" in a sentence?

You can use "completely fail" to describe anything that has not succeeded at all. For example, "The project was well-intentioned, but it "utterly failed" to achieve its objectives."

What are some alternatives to "completely fail"?

Alternatives to "completely fail" include "totally collapse", "fall flat", or "prove entirely unsuccessful". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "completely fail"? Can something fail partially?

While "fail" can sometimes imply a partial lack of success, using "completely fail" emphasizes the totality of the failure, leaving no room for interpretation that any aspect was successful.