entirely failed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entirely failed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a complete lack of success in achieving a goal or outcome. Example: "Despite their best efforts, the project entirely failed to meet the expectations set by the stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

He says Ofgem have "almost entirely failed in our lifetime".

The Guardian - Business

It entirely failed to uncover or nurture his talents.

The Guardian - Tech

At one point, you write, "I've entirely failed to reconcile fatherhood with adventuring".

The New Yorker

The senator blamed himself for "having entirely failed to do anything in aid of an enterprise".

The New York Times - Arts

It has entirely failed to reflect the spirit of democratic change.

The Economist

But the police entirely failed to mention the earlier encounter between officers and Tomlinson.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Which is not to say that it entirely fails, either.

The New York Times

The Republican party did not entirely fail to destroy Barack Obama.

The Guardian - Opinion

The direction, by Darrell Larson, entirely fails the intended atmosphere of the play in the second act.

The New York Times

Much depends, too, on the method used to test retrieval; e.g., recognition may succeed when voluntary recall entirely fails.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The report also entirely fails to acknowledge the strong commercial drivers that may bring gene drives into agricultural use.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entirely failed" when you want to emphasize that something did not achieve its intended outcome in any way. It adds a stronger sense of completeness compared to simply saying "failed".

Common error

While grammatically sound, "entirely failed" can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversation. Consider simpler alternatives like "didn't work" or "didn't succeed" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entirely failed" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate to describe the complete lack of success of an action, plan, or object. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "entirely failed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a complete lack of success. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for use in written English across diverse contexts. Its prevalence in news media and scientific publications highlights its utility in both objective reporting and analytical discourse. While alternatives like "completely failed" and "utterly failed" offer similar meanings, "entirely failed" provides a strong emphasis on the totality of the failure. When deploying this phrase, it's crucial to consider the tone and audience, opting for simpler language in more casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely failed

Emphasizes the completeness of the failure, very similar to "entirely failed".

utterly failed

Highlights the total and absolute nature of the failure.

totally failed

Similar to completely failed, indicating a full and unmitigated lack of success.

absolutely failed

Stresses the certainty and decisiveness of the failure.

was a complete failure

Rephrases the failure as a state or condition, emphasizing its totality.

was an utter disaster

Conveys a more negative and catastrophic sense of failure.

proved unsuccessful

A more formal way of saying failed, focusing on the lack of a positive outcome.

did not succeed

A simple and direct way of stating the absence of success.

fell short

Indicates failure to reach a desired standard or goal.

came to nothing

Implies that efforts or plans were unproductive and yielded no results.

FAQs

How can I use "entirely failed" in a sentence?

You can use "entirely failed" to describe something that did not succeed at all. For example: "The project "entirely failed" to meet its objectives."

What are some alternatives to "entirely failed"?

Alternatives include "completely failed", "utterly failed", or "totally failed". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more correct to say "completely failed" or "entirely failed"?

Both "completely failed" and "entirely failed" are grammatically correct and have very similar meanings. The preference often comes down to stylistic choice.

What's the difference between "failed" and "entirely failed"?

"Failed" indicates a lack of success. "Entirely failed" emphasizes that the failure was complete and absolute, leaving no room for partial success.