concede failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "concede failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when acknowledging that one has not succeeded in a particular endeavor or task. Example: "After several attempts to solve the problem, I had to concede failure and seek help from my colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The Dalai Lama has said in recent weeks that he is ready to concede failure to win true autonomy for his people and that he now wants other Tibetans to advise on a path forward.

The New York Times

A year younger to the day, Henman is less prepared to accept age is catching up but does concede failure to go beyond the fourth round at any major championships outside Wimbledon is a woeful return for a player of his talents.

The Guardian - Sport

The diplomats keep negotiating through the night, the morning, the next day, the next night, the next morning until they finish or concede failure".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The AU, which has approached its duties in Sudan with uncharacteristic seriousness, concedes failure.

The Economist

What, the director asks, will the public think when they see the great artist conceding failure?

The New York Times

He knows what he wants and how he wants it, said Moats, who could not recall Pollard conceding failure, not once, not at anything.

The New York Times - Sports

However, eBay conceded failure in Japan and shuttered its two-year-old operation there in March.

Forbes

While rejecting that verdict, even some of the staunchest advocates of European integration concede that failure is a possibility.

Huffington Post

Lancaster conceded the failure to win any of the three Tests would be a significant source of regret.

The Guardian - Sport

If Putin were to admit that Kadyrov has become too dangerous or too costly, he would be conceding the failure of his own policy.

The New Yorker

"To be frank, I haven't found a solution," Jiang told me, conceding that failure to reach a deal would mean a blackout of the N.B.A. on the country's all-sports channel.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "concede failure", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific endeavor or goal has not been achieved. Be explicit to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "concede failure" as a means to deflect blame onto external factors without acknowledging any personal responsibility. True concession involves accepting your part in the outcome.

Linguistic Context

"Concede failure" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, typically indicating an admission or acknowledgement of not succeeding in a particular task or goal. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples in the search data show its use in various contexts, such as diplomacy and personal endeavors.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "concede failure" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to acknowledge a lack of success. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the phrase appears with relative infrequency, indicating that alternative expressions might be more common. Its usage tends to be neutral to professional, often surfacing in news and analytical contexts. The primary communicative purpose is to acknowledge shortcomings and potentially signal a shift in strategy. Consider alternative phrases like "admit defeat" or "acknowledge failure" for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

admit defeat

Focuses on acknowledging loss or defeat, rather than a broader sense of failure.

acknowledge failure

Highlights the act of recognizing and accepting the lack of success.

accept defeat

Emphasizes the acceptance of a loss, often in a competitive context.

recognize defeat

Highlights the moment of realizing one's inability to succeed.

admit inadequacy

Shifts the focus to a personal lack of ability rather than a failed attempt.

own up to failure

Implies taking responsibility for the lack of success.

yield to failure

Suggests giving in to the inevitable outcome of failure.

succumb to failure

Implies being overcome by the negative effects of failure.

bow to the inevitable

A more figurative expression acknowledging an unavoidable negative result.

bite the bullet

Suggests facing a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.

FAQs

How can I use "concede failure" in a sentence?

You can use "concede failure" to express that someone acknowledges a lack of success in a specific endeavor. For example: "The diplomat had to "concede failure" after months of negotiations."

What's a formal alternative to "concede failure"?

In a more formal setting, you could use phrases like "acknowledge the lack of success", "recognize the unsuccessful outcome", or "admit the deficiency" as alternatives to "concede failure".

Is it better to "concede defeat" or "concede failure"?

The best option depends on the context. "Concede defeat" is more suitable when referring to a competition or direct contest, whereas "concede failure" is more general and applies to any endeavor that did not achieve its intended outcome.

What does it mean to "concede failure"?

To "concede failure" means to acknowledge or admit that an attempt or endeavor has not been successful and has not achieved its intended goal. It often implies accepting the consequences of that lack of success.