encountering failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encountering failure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing experiences or situations where one faces setbacks or unsuccessful outcomes. Example: "In the process of developing the new software, encountering failure was inevitable, but it provided valuable lessons for the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Fault tolerant manipulators are capable of completing their critical tasks after encountering failure.

Mechanism and Machine Theory

Entrepreneurs are used to encountering failure, mainly because we're all trying to do things that haven't been done before, faster than it is realistic to achieve them.

TechCrunch

Neil deGrasse Tyson did a great job telling this scientific narrative as a dramatic arc--setting a goal, encountering failure, creating something to solve the problem.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But as the number of nodes in a multiprocessor increases, the probability of encountering failures in one or more nodes of the system raises as a serious problem.

Journal of Systems Architecture

This finding is then tied to discourse that shows that after encountering failures, players were often led to group discussions on relevant game mechanics with embedded virology content.

Thinking Skills and Creativity

True to her contemporary dance roots, she ended the exercise only when they encountered failure.

The New York Times - Arts

Christine Lagarde, the French minister of finance and the first woman to fill the role for a G8 country, looks as if she has never encountered failure – yet was once told she could not have the job she coveted.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Thermal fatigue cracking is one of the mostly encountered failure mechanisms for die halves in the die casting industry.

International Journal of Fatigue

Wear and corrosion are two of the three most frequently encountered failure modes for mechanical components working under aggressive conditions.

Intermetallics

Lateral collapses due to earthquakes and progressive collapses due to the sudden destruction of the columns are two of the most commonly encountered failure mechanisms for buildings.

Engineering Structures

Most importantly, we honor him when we keep fighting for justice even after we encounter failure.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "encountering failure", contextualize it by explaining what caused the failure or what was learned from it. This adds depth and practical value to your writing.

Common error

Avoid phrasing like "Failure was encountered" when you can use the active voice: "The team encountered failure". Active voice makes your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encountering failure" functions as a verbal phrase often used as part of a clause, typically acting as the predicate. It describes the action of experiencing or coming across failure. Ludwig AI shows examples in scientific and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "encountering failure" is grammatically correct and functions primarily to describe the experience of facing setbacks or unsuccessful outcomes. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage spans scientific and news media contexts, showcasing a neutral to formal register. While not as common as alternatives like "facing setbacks", "encountering failure" provides a valuable and nuanced way to address the realities of failure in various fields. Understanding its proper usage and common pitfalls, such as overuse of passive voice, can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meeting failure

A more direct synonym, less commonly used but retains the original meaning.

undergoing failure

Highlights the process of failing, rather than a single encounter.

facing setbacks

Focuses on the broader aspect of obstacles rather than specifically failure.

not succeeding

A simple and straightforward way to express a lack of success.

having no success

Directly states the absence of positive results or achievement.

experiencing defeat

Emphasizes the feeling and reality of being beaten or unsuccessful.

falling short

Highlights the inability to meet a certain standard or expectation.

coming up short

Suggests not quite achieving the desired outcome or goal.

hitting a roadblock

An idiomatic expression suggesting a temporary halt due to problems.

stumbling

Implies a minor or temporary failure or mistake.

FAQs

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

You can use "encountering failure" to describe situations where someone or something faces setbacks or unsuccessful outcomes. For example: "Entrepreneurs are used to "encountering failure" when trying to innovate."

What are some alternatives to "encountering failure"?

Alternatives include "facing setbacks", "experiencing defeat", or "meeting failure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "encountering failure" or "facing failure"?

Both "encountering failure" and "facing failure" are correct. "Facing failure" might be slightly more common and direct, but "encountering failure" adds a touch of formality and emphasizes the unexpected nature of the setback.

What does it mean to learn from "encountering failure"?

Learning from "encountering failure" means analyzing the reasons behind the unsuccessful outcome and using that knowledge to improve future strategies and approaches. It's a crucial aspect of growth and development.