consistent failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consistent failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a repeated inability to achieve a desired outcome or success over time. Example: "Despite numerous attempts to improve the process, we faced consistent failure in meeting our targets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Fundamental to the defeats has been the consistent failure of the top order.

The Guardian - Sport

Some suspect that high rent may be behind the consistent failure of restaurants in the space.

The New York Times - Food

In his view, my consistent failure is a mark of my success.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yet despite the consistent failure to temper our greedy nature, I still have hopes.

The New York Times

Yet this has been the consistent failure of Obama's Afghanistan policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

"A consistent failure to control one's subordinates who are behaving in a criminal manner will be prosecuted," Wiley said.

The New Yorker

We have seen a consistent failure to create meaningful policy that improves the lives of women and minorities.

The Guardian - Opinion

May 19: I am thoroughly disgusted with the consistent failure to carry out orders that I have given over the past three and a half years...

The New York Times

Unfortunately, this claim only serves to remind us of Congress' consistent failure to repair both of these programs even under the best of circumstances.

The New York Times

In many schools there has been a consistent failure to carry out adequate risk assessments, as required by the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

According to Wilson Morales, editor of Blackfilm.com, the failure to predict box office take speaks to the consistent failures to take the economic power of black audiences in account.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "consistent failure", ensure the context clearly indicates what is failing and the impact of that failure. Be specific about the area or process experiencing the repeated lack of success.

Common error

Avoid using "consistent failure" in situations where a less emphatic term would suffice. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Opt for more nuanced language to describe minor or isolated incidents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consistent failure" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "consistent" modifies the noun "failure". Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66.67%

Science

20%

Wiki

6.67%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3.33%

Reference

3.33%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "consistent failure" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a recurring pattern of unsuccessful outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media and scientific domains. While there aren't related idioms, related phrases include "repeated setback" or "chronic underachievement". When writing, ensure the context clearly defines what is failing and avoid overuse in overly dramatic situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repeated setback

Focuses on the recurring nature of the failure as a setback, implying a temporary impediment.

chronic underachievement

Highlights the ongoing inability to reach expected levels of performance.

habitual defeat

Emphasizes the established pattern of losing or failing.

persistent malfunction

Implies a continuous problem with something not working as intended, often in a technical context.

regular inadequacy

Highlights the recurring lack of sufficient quality or effectiveness.

constant letdown

Focuses on the disappointment caused by repeated failures.

perennial flop

Suggests a long-lasting pattern of unsuccessful ventures or performances.

invariable collapse

Implies a predictable and unvarying failure or breakdown.

predictable fiasco

Highlights that the failure was foreseeable and resulted in a complete disaster.

unrelenting deficiency

Emphasizes the continuous and unyielding nature of the shortcoming.

FAQs

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

You can use "consistent failure" to describe a pattern of repeated lack of success. For example, "The project's "consistent failure" to meet deadlines led to its cancellation."

What are some alternatives to "consistent failure"?

Alternatives include phrases like "repeated setback", "chronic underachievement", or "habitual defeat", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "consistent failure" and "constant failure"?

While similar, "consistent failure" implies a predictable pattern of failure, while "constant failure" suggests an uninterrupted state of failing. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the pattern or the continuous nature of the failure.

When is it appropriate to use the term "consistent failure"?

Use "consistent failure" when you want to highlight a recurring and established pattern of unsuccessful outcomes. This term is appropriate when the failures are not isolated incidents but rather part of an ongoing trend.