cusp of failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cusp of failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a critical point or moment just before something fails or goes wrong. Example: "The project was on the cusp of failure due to lack of funding and support from management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It's the theater business; we always are on the cusp of failure, even in the best of times, shows have a 99percentt chance of not making it," Mr. Breglio said.

The New York Times

DealBook Banks Grumble At Clawbacks After a Liquidation | Should the government ever have to seize a large financial firm on the cusp of failure, the Dodd-Frank financial oversight law allows regulators to claim up to two years of pay from the executives thought to be responsible.

The New York Times

Bair, his boss, was adamant that too-big-to-fail firms on the cusp of failure will be shut down in the future.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In June, two months after Mum died, I was back at Stamford Hospital, where he was in and out of delirium, on the cusp of kidney failure.

The New York Times - Magazine

("In three weeks, I want to be on the cusp of organ failure," she announces, describing her new diet-and-exercise regime).

The New York Times - Arts

But in this case, the quick passage of a fundamentally flawed electoral law means that the National Transitional Council is on the cusp of institutionalizing democratic failure.

The New York Times

But many of us had seen the exact same thing ten days earlier: Did this mean the negotiations were on the verge of failure or the cusp of success?

The New Yorker

He was on the cusp of 18.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're on the cusp of something".

The New York Times - Magazine

Everything is on the cusp of change.

The Guardian

She hovers on the cusp of more.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using this phrase. While generally understood, it may be more impactful in formal or professional contexts than in casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "cusp of failure" when you intend to convey a positive turning point. The "cusp" refers to the critical boundary right before failure, not before a success. Use phrases like "on the "cusp of success"" or "on the "brink of success"" to indicate positive turning points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cusp of failure" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or within prepositional phrases. Ludwig examples show it describing states or entities nearing failure, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cusp of failure" is a grammatically sound expression used to denote a state very close to failing. While not exceedingly common, as noted by Ludwig, it appears primarily in News & Media and Science contexts, signaling critical situations needing attention. Its usage is neutral, making it appropriate for professional and informative content. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brink of collapse

Emphasizes the imminence of a complete breakdown or cessation of function.

verge of ruin

Highlights the potential for significant damage or destruction.

edge of disaster

Focuses on the potential for a calamitous event or outcome.

point of collapse

Indicates a specific moment when failure is most likely to occur.

threatened with downfall

Suggests an impending loss of power, status, or success.

on the ropes

An idiom suggesting a weakening state, close to defeat.

facing imminent demise

Emphasizes the certainty and nearness of the end or failure.

at risk of failing

A straightforward expression of potential failure.

in danger of collapse

Highlights the perilous state and possibility of structural or systemic failure.

near the breaking point

Indicates that something is stretched to its limit and likely to fail soon.

FAQs

How can I use "cusp of failure" in a sentence?

You can use "cusp of failure" to describe a situation that is very close to failing, such as "The company was on the "cusp of failure" due to poor management."

What is a synonym for "cusp of failure"?

A synonym for "cusp of failure" is "brink of collapse". Both phrases indicate that something is very close to failing.

Is it appropriate to use "cusp of failure" in formal writing?

Yes, "cusp of failure" is appropriate for formal writing. It clearly conveys a serious situation without being overly dramatic or informal.

What's the difference between "cusp of failure" and "verge of success"?

The phrase "cusp of failure" describes a situation that's about to fail while "verge of success" describes a situation that's about to succeed. They are opposites.