edge of failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "edge of failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is very close to failing or not succeeding. Example: "The project was on the edge of failure due to lack of funding and support from the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

GSC spent a year on the edge of failure.

MIT Technology Review

Mr. Nelson's eyes were yellow, a sign that his liver was at the edge of failure.

The New York Times - Health

The growth is coming partly because banks on the edge of failure are coming to the service for a lifeline.

The New York Times

Ranchers on the edge of failure feel threatened by predators snatching away their calves, and some lash out against that threat.

The New York Times

Some of the technology industry's most respected investors face losing tens of millions of pounds as Wonga stands on the edge of failure.

The Times

Robustness and repeatability of the Design Space at the edge of failure was preliminarily investigated by analysis of selected samples from the second batch with encouraging results.

Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

He exudes the same witty, yet on-the-edge-of-failure desperation that we got to know so well in "Breaking Bad," but with a heavy dose of naiveté.

Huffington Post

Edge of failures at both design spaces indicate high probability of failure.

Journal of Chromatography A

Polisi says the school imbues its graduates with discipline, creativity and an ability to "explore the edges of failure".

Forbes

Both ultimately were sent home, the mother needing to start blood pressure medication and teetering on the edge of kidney failure.

Harvard University

Both government and defense documents depict Agriprocessors under Mr. Rubashkin as a chaotic enterprise continually teetering on the edge of financial failure, its accounts in disarray and Mr. Rubashkin taking bank loans to cover gaps and losses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "edge of failure" to accurately depict situations or systems that are in a critical state and highly susceptible to collapse or non-performance. For instance, when describing a company's financial situation or a patient's health.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "edge of failure" when describing situations that are merely challenging or difficult but not genuinely close to a catastrophic outcome. It's an exaggeration that dilutes the impact when it's genuinely needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "edge of failure" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used as a noun modifier. It signifies a state of being very close to failing. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "edge of failure" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a situation or entity in a precarious state, close to collapse. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, conveying a sense of imminent risk. Alternative phrases include "brink of collapse" and "verge of collapse". When using the phrase, ensure the context genuinely reflects a high risk of failure to avoid exaggeration. The examples show how diverse scenarios can be brought to life using this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brink of collapse

Emphasizes the imminence of a breakdown, suggesting a sudden and complete failure.

verge of collapse

Similar to "brink of collapse", but may imply a slightly more gradual decline.

on the cusp of failure

Highlights the transitional moment just before failure occurs.

near the point of failure

Focuses on the proximity to the condition where something ceases to function.

close to breakdown

Suggests a state where something is about to stop functioning due to internal problems.

in danger of failing

Directly states the risk of not succeeding or functioning properly.

at risk of collapse

Similar to "in danger of failing", but specifies collapse as the potential outcome.

approaching its limit

Implies that something is nearing the maximum stress or capacity it can handle before failing.

facing potential downfall

Highlights the possibility of a significant and negative decline.

in a precarious position

Indicates instability and vulnerability, suggesting that failure is a real possibility.

FAQs

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

The phrase "edge of failure" describes a state of being very close to failing. For example: "The company was on the edge of failure due to poor management."

What's a good alternative to "edge of failure"?

Alternatives to "edge of failure" include "brink of collapse", "verge of collapse", or "cusp of failure".

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

Yes, "edge of failure" is suitable for formal writing, especially in contexts like news reports, scientific analyses, or business reports where you need to describe a critical or precarious situation.

What kind of situations does "edge of failure" accurately describe?

The phrase "edge of failure" accurately describes situations where a system, project, or entity is in a highly unstable state and faces a significant risk of collapse or complete breakdown.