derailed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'derailed' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation or plan that has gone wrong or off-track, usually due to an unexpected event. For example, "Their plans to move were derailed when they were unable to find a suitable new house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the US, the 1980 presidential debates were nearly derailed by a popular third-party candidate, with neither Jimmy Carter or Ronald Reagan wanting to take part.

The Guardian

Looking ahead requires enormous concentration, and can be easily derailed by anxiety.

The Guardian - Tech

No one was injured when 19 cars from a westbound train derailed Thursday about 10 miles west of Alberton.

The Guardian

The broadcaster's English language news channel, which is widely available in the UK, is understood to be considering a bid after the UK broadcasters' proposals appeared to be in danger of being derailed by prime minister David Cameron's insistence that it includes the Green party.

The Guardian

Especially during the last two competitions – when X Factor was almost derailed by Gary Barlow's monotonous, fun-free insistence on musical competence – Louis Walsh was more vital than ever.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The Soloist (2009) Foxx brought his classical training to bear on his role as Nathaniel Ayers, a real-life musical prodigy whose career is derailed by schizophrenia.

The Guardian - Film

Touching that hot potato could indeed have derailed the talks entirely.

The Guardian

A confident enough start was derailed when Aaron Finch had to retire hurt with what appeared to be a pulled hamstring, sustained as he scampered home for a single in the fourth over with the score at 22-0.

The Guardian - Sport

The coalition government derailed a programme that aimed to save lives by reducing the amount of salt in food and then gave industry too much power over a replacement scheme, according to health experts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A: Because then the conversation could be derailed into talking about moderation rather than the established or initial topic.

The Guardian

Injuries eventually derailed them, knocked out of the cup semi-final and the quarter-final of the Europa League, the goals drying up, but they did eventually get over the line.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "derailed" when you want to convey a sense of unexpected disruption or obstruction that significantly altered the course of events. It is more impactful than simply saying something "failed".

Common error

Avoid using "derailed" for minor inconveniences or slight deviations from plans. This word carries a connotation of significant disruption, so reserve it for situations where the impact is substantial.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "derailed" is as a verb, typically used in the past tense or as a past participle. It describes the action of something being disrupted or thrown off course. Ludwig shows many examples in news and media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "derailed" functions as a verb signifying disruption or obstruction, suitable for neutral to formal contexts such as news, business, and general writing. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its common usage in describing plans or projects that have gone off course due to unexpected events. The phrase is grammatically correct and conveys a sense of significant disruption, making it a powerful alternative to simpler terms like "failed". As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a usable and effective word in English, but reserve it for impactful situations rather than minor inconveniences. Consider alternatives like "went off course" or "was thwarted" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

went off course

Emphasizes a deviation from the intended path or plan.

fell through

Indicates a plan or agreement that failed to materialize.

was thwarted

Highlights the prevention of a plan or action by an external force.

went awry

Suggests something went wrong or not as planned.

was scuttled

Implies deliberate sabotage or ruin of a plan or project.

came to naught

Signifies that efforts or plans resulted in nothing.

failed to launch

Focuses on the inability to start or initiate a plan or project successfully.

was undermined

Emphasizes a gradual weakening or destruction of a plan or effort.

hit a snag

Suggests encountering an unexpected obstacle or problem.

ground to a halt

Indicates a complete stop or cessation of progress.

FAQs

How can I use "derailed" in a sentence?

You can use "derailed" to describe a situation where plans or progress have been disrupted. For example, "The project was "went off course" after the budget cuts."

What's the difference between "derailed" and "failed"?

"Derailed" implies a sudden and unexpected disruption, while "failed" simply means not succeeding. A project can be "derailed" by unforeseen circumstances, whereas it "failed" if it didn't achieve its objectives.

What are some alternatives to "derailed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "went off course", "was thwarted", or "fell through".

Is it appropriate to use "derailed" in formal writing?

Yes, "derailed" is suitable for formal writing, especially in news and business contexts, where it effectively conveys a sense of disruption and change of plans.