engineered for failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "engineered for failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a design or system that is intentionally created to not succeed or to highlight flaws in a process or product. Example: "The software was so poorly designed that it seemed almost engineered for failure, leading to constant crashes and user frustration."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some have been engineered for better absorption.

The New Yorker

It should be engineered for that.

The New York Times - Sports

This disaster was engineered by a failure to plan and communicate.

Huffington Post

With critical components, designers must engineer in failure mode performance.

Forbes

In modern scenario has used new technologies by geotechnical engineer for slope failure information without entering in disaster places.

International Journal of Geo-Engineering

It is always a challenge for failure analysis engineer to localize leaky polysilicon gate.

Microelectronics Reliability

IC functional failure is always a challenge for failure analysis engineers since it needs test pattern to access the defect location and electrically trigger it.

Microelectronics Journal

One particular problem for failure analysis engineers is the CAD navigation along the chain: in order to display the physical position of a scan chain, hundreds or even thousands of flipflops have to be cross-mapped between the design netlist and the physical layout.

Microelectronics Reliability

Bain Capital was clearly designed to engineer business failures".

The New York Times

The numerical investigations are carried out to provide guiding criteria to railway track engineers for crack and failure analysis of the railway concrete sleeper subjected to a large quasi-static asymmetrical wheel burden.

Engineering Failure Analysis

This animal model will be valuable in testing whether NE is required for the pathogenesis of heart failure through mating strategies that cross the dbh-/ mouse into genetically engineered models of heart failure.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "engineered for failure" to critique flawed designs, systems or strategies where failure seems like a predictable outcome rather than an accident. It highlights a serious problem with planning or execution.

Common error

Avoid using "engineered for failure" to describe situations where failure resulted from unforeseen circumstances or random errors. This phrase implies a deliberate or predictable flaw, not accidental mishap.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engineered for failure" functions as a descriptive term, often used to critique or negatively assess a design, plan, or system. Based on Ludwig AI, the phrase suggests a predictable or intentional flaw leading to an unsuccessful outcome.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "engineered for failure" serves as a critical descriptor, highlighting inherent flaws or design weaknesses that make failure a predictable outcome. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, its frequency is currently limited, affecting contextual analysis. Closely related alternatives include "designed to fail" and "built to fail". When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context, implying a deliberate or foreseeable flaw rather than an accidental mishap. Its accusatory nature makes it best suited for critical analysis in situations where responsibility needs to be assigned.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

designed to fail

Focuses on the intentional aspect of creating something that will not succeed.

built to fail

Emphasizes the construction or assembly of something with inherent flaws leading to failure.

doomed to fail

Highlights the unavoidable nature of the failure, suggesting a lack of hope for success.

set up for failure

Indicates that external circumstances or conditions contribute to the likely failure.

destined for failure

Suggests that failure is predetermined by fate or circumstance.

predestined to fail

Similar to "destined for failure" but with a stronger sense of inevitability.

failure is inevitable

States directly that failure is certain to happen, lacking any element of design.

programmed for failure

Implies a systematic or pre-set course leading to an unsuccessful outcome.

contrived to fail

Suggests that the failure was deliberately orchestrated or manipulated.

headed for disaster

Highlights the impending catastrophic nature of the situation, rather than just failure.

FAQs

What does "engineered for failure" mean?

The phrase "engineered for failure" describes a situation or design where the outcome is likely to be unsuccessful due to inherent flaws, poor planning, or intentional design choices that lead to a predictable negative result.

How can I use "engineered for failure" in a sentence?

You might say, "The project's unrealistic deadlines and understaffing made it seem "set up for failure" from the start" or "The system was so poorly designed that it was practically "designed to fail".

What are some alternatives to "engineered for failure"?

Consider using phrases like "designed to fail", "built to fail", "destined for failure", or "set up for failure" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "engineered for failure" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "engineered for failure" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its impact is usually more pronounced in professional settings, where it serves as a strong critique of flawed planning or design.