continual failure

USAGE SUMMARY

"continual failure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can refer to repeated or ongoing instances of failure. Example: Despite her best efforts, she could not escape the continual failure that seemed to follow her in every career endeavor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Fast forward to the beginning of season 2014 and the theme since Brisbane's salad days has been monotonous: continual failure.

The Guardian - Sport

"It demonstrates the continual failure of our trade policies," said Gary Hubbard, a union spokesman in Washington.

The New York Times

I think it's New York, the media, the atmosphere of the Garden, all that pressure, and the continual failure to live up to it.

The New Yorker

In a statement, Refugees International, an advocacy group, expressed disappointment at what it called "the U.S. administration's continual failure to meet its resettlement targets".

The New York Times

The choice of Israel, according to the Bible, occurred because of humankind's continual failure, by rebellion against its creator, to fulfill its divine potential.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Of course all this is to say nothing of the Turnbull government's continual failure to announce sustainable and humane solutions for those refugees and asylum seekers Australia has left to languish on Nauru and Manus Island.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

He hated to admit it, but after a decade or more of owning the Peak and Pine Motel, Albee expected continual failures from his staff.

Vice

"Resilience is fundamentally the certainty of small cheap continual failures against the potential for a massive failure at the core," Egon Zehnder consultant Christoph Leuneberger said in a recent discussion on resiliency practices for extractive industries.

Huffington Post

But would the drop have been so precipitous that McGrady, finally on the grandest stage after continual postseason failure, would be a last-resort substitute?

The New York Times - Sports

Continual handling failures undermined Edinburgh's second half attempts to get back in the match and build on Leonard's fifth penalty on 52 minutes.

BBC

Evidence of this displacement of control through management by numbers is accumulating through the emergence of almost continual quality failures and healthcare scandals right alongside the extension of managerial control infrastructure and ambitions.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "continual failure", ensure the context clearly indicates what is failing and the consequences of this ongoing failure.

Common error

While "continual failure" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms such as "persistent setbacks" or "ongoing lack of success".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continual failure" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, referring to repeated or ongoing instances of failure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continual failure" accurately describes repeated instances of unsuccessful outcomes, according to Ludwig. It is a noun phrase that functions to express disappointment, frustration, or concern. The phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in both formal and informal contexts, making it appropriate for a wide range of writing styles. While the expression is considered valid, consider replacing it with alternatives like "persistent lack of success" or "repeated setbacks" to prevent overuse. The most common contexts for this phrase are News & Media and Science. In conclusion, "continual failure" is a valid and understandable expression for use in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persistent lack of success

Highlights the ongoing absence of positive results.

repeated setbacks

Emphasizes the idea of multiple obstacles or hindrances.

consistent record of non-success

Highlights a uniform history of failing to achieve goals.

ongoing pattern of defeat

Focuses on a recurring trend of unsuccessful outcomes.

never-ending cycle of errors

Implies a repetitive and inescapable sequence of mistakes.

unremitting lack of achievement

Underscores the constant and unrelenting absence of accomplishments.

perpetual cycle of mistakes

Conveys the idea of an unending and self-repeating pattern of errors.

chronic ineffectiveness

Suggests a long-term and deeply ingrained inability to achieve desired results.

habitual losing streak

Focuses on an established and persistent pattern of defeats.

constant string of mishaps

Highlights a continuous series of unfortunate events or accidents.

FAQs

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

You can use "continual failure" to describe a situation where something repeatedly fails to achieve its intended outcome. For example: "The company's "continual failure" to innovate led to its eventual decline."

What's a more formal way to say "continual failure"?

In a more formal context, consider using phrases like "persistent lack of success" or "ongoing pattern of defeat" instead of "continual failure".

Which is correct: "continual failure" or "continuous failure"?

Both "continual failure" and "continuous failure" are grammatically correct, but "continual" implies that the failure is recurring with possible interruptions, while "continuous" implies that the failure is ongoing without any breaks. Choose the word that best fits the specific context.

What are some synonyms for "continual failure"?

Synonyms for "continual failure" include "repeated setbacks", "persistent lack of success", and "ongoing pattern of defeat".