Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
end in failure
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "end in failure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it any time you want to describe a situation in which a plan or endeavor ultimately did not succeed. For example: "Our project to build a new bridge in the city ended in failure due to lack of funding."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Sport
Politics
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
57 human-written examples
All political careers end in failure.
News & Media
Many bailouts end in failure, some quite quickly.
News & Media
All political careers end in failure, as Enoch Powell remarked.
News & Media
"All political careers end in failure," as he wrote himself.
News & Media
All political careers, she smiles ruefully, end in failure.
News & Media
But Penn's boldest venture was doomed to end in failure.
News & Media
It is said that all political careers end in failure.
News & Media
By this account, all sportsmen end in failure.
News & Media
There was never any question that his final comeback would end in failure.
News & Media
The vast majority of lives, in football and elsewhere, end in failure.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
1 human-written examples
But Obama's speech suggested the climate summit could end in failure--perhaps one of historic and literally world-changing proportion.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "end in failure", consider the reasons behind the failure to provide a more complete picture. For example, "The negotiations ended in failure due to irreconcilable differences."
Common error
While acceptable, repeatedly using "end in failure" in very formal documents might sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "prove unsuccessful" or "not succeed" for variety.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "end in failure" functions as a predicate, describing the outcome of a particular action, process, or event. It indicates that the subject did not achieve its intended goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
57%
Sport
12%
Formal & Business
8%
Less common in
Wiki
5%
Science
8%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "end in failure" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something did not succeed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s versatile enough for various contexts, ranging from news reports to casual conversation. While it can be used broadly, it’s important to consider the specific nuances you want to convey and, if necessary, opt for alternatives like "result in defeat" or "prove unsuccessful". With over 70 examples sourced from reputable publications such as The Guardian and The New York Times, its widespread usage is evident. Therefore, "end in failure" is a reliable option for communicating the lack of a desired outcome.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
not succeed
A simple and direct way of stating that an attempt or endeavor did not achieve the desired result.
result in defeat
Focuses more on the competitive aspect of failure, suggesting a loss against an opponent or obstacle.
prove unsuccessful
A more formal way of saying "end in failure", often used in professional or academic contexts.
fail to achieve its purpose
Focuses on the inability to reach a specific goal or objective, emphasizing the lack of desired outcome.
come to nothing
Emphasizes the lack of tangible results or progress, highlighting the futility of the effort.
be doomed to fail
Suggests that failure was inevitable from the start, implying a lack of chance for success.
fall through
Suggests a plan or agreement that was initially promising but ultimately did not materialize.
be in vain
Highlights the wasted effort and lack of purpose in the endeavor, suggesting a sense of disappointment.
fizzle out
Indicates a gradual decline and eventual cessation of activity, suggesting a lack of sustained effort or interest.
meet with disaster
Implies a more severe and catastrophic failure, suggesting significant negative consequences.
FAQs
How can I use "end in failure" in a sentence?
You can use "end in failure" to describe projects, plans, or attempts that don't achieve the desired outcome. For example, "Their attempt to climb Mount Everest "ended in failure" due to harsh weather conditions."
What are some alternatives to "end in failure"?
Alternatives include phrases like "result in defeat", "come to nothing", or "prove unsuccessful", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to say "ends in failure" or "ended in failure"?
The correct tense depends on the context. Use "ends in failure" for general statements or future predictions. Use "ended in failure" for past events that have already concluded.
What's the difference between "end in failure" and "result in failure"?
"End in failure" describes the final outcome of a process, while "result in failure" emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship. The nuance can be extremely subtle.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested