determined to fail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "determined to fail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is resolutely set on achieving failure, often through their actions or mindset. Example: "Despite all the support and resources available to him, he seemed determined to fail in his new role."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"But as a teacher, if I went in determined to fail 5 percent of my students, I would not be doing my job".

The New York Times

Many Israelis fear that the looming confrontation will be, more fundamentally, a test of Israel's commitment to democracy and the rule of law -- a test their settler-enthralled government seems determined to fail.

Huffington Post

We have modeled the effect of multiple contact-finding attempts conservatively in the sense that if the first attempt to find an individual as a household contact (of a case or of a contact) is determined to fail, no further attempts will be made.

BMC Public Health

The DTE ratios we received showed that none of our programs were determined to 'Fail.'" [Emphasis added; from Capella Education Company October 25, 2016 10-Q].

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We are further encouraged that the one resident whose score fell more than one SD from the mean was also the only resident determined to subjectively "fail" the exam.

BMC Medical Education

Of the hips that failed by non-conventional means, 14 of 31 were determined to have failed with high material loss and then high levels of metal ions.

Acta Orthopaedica

Confident assignment of an individual to a cluster was determined to have failed if the probability associated with movement of a genotype from its optimum cluster to any other was greater than a Bonferroni-corrected critical alpha level.

Plosone

Failure of graft incorporation in all 3 zones was not necessarily associated with clinical failure, with 1 case being determined to have failed but the other being clinically successful.

Acta Orthopaedica

The elephants were, in fact, determined to see her fail.

The New Yorker

But, as Obama is finding, it's hard for one party to make government work when the other party is determined to make government fail.

The New Yorker

"He was determined not to fail.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "determined to fail" when you want to emphasize a resolute, almost stubborn intention to fail, either consciously or unconsciously. It suggests a stronger commitment than simply being likely to fail.

Common error

Avoid using "determined to fail" when simply describing a high likelihood of failure due to external circumstances or lack of skill. The phrase implies an internal drive or choice, not just a probable outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determined to fail" functions as a verb phrase expressing a strong intention or resolve toward achieving failure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests a purposeful, even stubborn, direction towards a negative outcome. Its usage highlights the agent's mindset or actions contributing to the failure.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "determined to fail" is a grammatically correct verb phrase that signifies a resolute intention to fail. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use and meaning. While relatively uncommon, it appears across various sources, including news and scientific contexts. Its key attribute is the emphasis on intention, distinguishing it from mere likelihood or destiny. When using this phrase, consider alternative formulations like "intent on failing" or "resolved to fail" to refine the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Intent on failing

Emphasizes the intention or purpose behind the failing.

Resolved to fail

Highlights a firm decision or resolution to experience failure.

Bent on failure

Implies a strong inclination or purpose toward failure.

Doomed to fail

Suggests that failure is inevitable, regardless of intention.

Sure to fail

Indicates a high probability or likelihood of failure.

Predestined to fail

Conveys a sense of fate or predetermination toward failure.

Certain to fall short

Focuses on not reaching a required standard.

Intentionally underperform

Highlights the deliberate act of not performing well.

Headed for disaster

Suggests that current actions will inevitably lead to a negative outcome.

Courting failure

Implies actions that are likely to cause failure, almost inviting it.

FAQs

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

You can use "determined to fail" to describe someone who is resolutely set on achieving failure, often through their actions or mindset. For example: "Despite all the support and resources available to him, he seemed determined to fail in his new role."

What are some alternatives to "determined to fail"?

Alternatives include "intent on failing", "resolved to fail", or "doomed to fail", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "determined to fail" or "destined to fail"?

"Determined to fail" implies a conscious or unconscious intention, while "destined to fail" suggests that failure is inevitable due to fate or circumstances beyond one's control. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize agency or inevitability.

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

"Determined to fail" suggests a strong internal drive or choice leading to failure, while "likely to fail" simply indicates a high probability of failure, regardless of intention.