condemned to fail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "condemned to fail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or plan that is destined to be unsuccessful or doomed from the start. Example: "Without proper funding and support, the project seems condemned to fail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Kids who get excluded are condemned to fail".

Independent

A privately run museum as big as Beatlemania is condemned to fail without public support.

The Guardian - Music

Many analysts, though, speculate that the deal was condemned to fail by conflicting corporate cultures and managers' rivalries.This is a pity because, on paper at least, Monsanto and AHP made an attractive couple.

The Economist

The tepid sales have even prompted technology writer Brendan Koerner to declare in Slate magazine last year that TiVo was "destined for the ash heap of history," condemned to fail by what the writer called "first-mover disadvantage".

Forbes

However, Peter Harris, chairman of the Productivity Commission, the federal government's main economic advisory body, told the Sydney Morning Herald last week that decades of drought assistance totalling billions of dollars had done little to help farmers, and similar measures, if taken now, were "condemned to fail".

BBC

Concerning correction of rapid progressive astigmatism, classical therapeutic options are condemned to fail, as the reason for its development is located in the corneoscleral margin, which remains unaffected in any type of corneal transplant or crosslinking.

BMC Ophthalmology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Indeed, given the regularity and range of Amis's fictional excursions into envy, it is tempting to think that the recent flailing attacks on his work must be some sort of shared Nabokovian joke; if not, they merely provide further gloomy evidence that critics work in the same way George Santayana thought history worked: they are condemned to repeat what they fail to understand.

The Guardian - Books

At Labour's conference very little was said about the impact of competition from China, but figures like Hague and Osborne have been issuing dire warnings about European countries being condemned to poverty if they fail to keep up with the Asian economic superpowers and Cameron is going to say the same thing in his speech later.

The Guardian

If we're too positive, we condemn ourselves to fail.

The New Yorker

Unfortunately, his hyperbole also burdened OLPC with unrealistically high expectations, thereby condemning it to fail on its own terms, or to seem to have done so.

The New York Times - Arts

For over 30 years, they've publicly condemned museums that fail to collect or showcase women artists and artists of color, using facts, humor and "outrageous visuals".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "condemned to fail" when emphasizing a strong sense of inevitability due to inherent flaws or external forces that make success impossible. For example, "A project without adequate funding is often condemned to fail."

Common error

Avoid using "condemned to fail" lightly. This phrase suggests an inherent, unavoidable flaw. Don't use it if there's a realistic chance of success with adjustments or effort, as it can create a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "condemned to fail" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating that something is inevitably going to be unsuccessful. It suggests a predetermined negative outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "condemned to fail" is a descriptive phrase used to express a strong conviction that something is inevitably destined for failure. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively rare in occurrence, this phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "doomed to fail" or "destined to fail" can provide similar meanings. When using the phrase, it's crucial to ensure it accurately reflects an unavoidable negative outcome, rather than simply a high probability of failure. Overall, this phrase adds a sense of finality and predetermination to any discussion of potential failure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doomed to fail

Replaces "condemned" with "doomed", emphasizing an inevitable negative fate.

destined to fail

Uses "destined" instead of "condemned", suggesting a preordained or inevitable failure.

fated to fail

Employs "fated" instead of "condemned", implying that failure is predetermined by fate or destiny.

certain to fail

Replaces "condemned" with "certain", highlighting the high probability of failure.

bound to fail

Substitutes "condemned" with "bound", suggesting an obligation or inevitability to fail.

predestined to fail

Adds emphasis to the predetermined nature of the failure.

foreordained to fail

Suggests a divine or higher power has determined the failure.

set up to fail

Indicates that external factors or deliberate actions contribute to the failure.

designed to fail

Implies an intentional arrangement for failure, often with a negative connotation.

headed for disaster

Shifts the focus from the act of failing to the impending catastrophic result.

FAQs

How can I use "condemned to fail" in a sentence?

You can use "condemned to fail" to describe projects, ideas, or even people when they seem destined for failure due to significant and insurmountable challenges. For example, "Without a clear strategy, the initiative was "doomed to fail"."

What's the difference between "condemned to fail" and "likely to fail"?

"Condemned to fail" implies a stronger sense of inevitability and often suggests that the failure is predetermined due to inherent flaws or external forces. "Likely to fail" simply indicates a high probability of failure without the same degree of certainty or predetermination.

What are some alternatives to "condemned to fail"?

Alternatives include "doomed to fail", "destined to fail", "fated to fail", or "certain to fail". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "condemned to fail" in formal writing?

Yes, "condemned to fail" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing projects, policies, or strategies. However, consider the tone and audience. It can sound overly dramatic in some contexts, so choose it judiciously.