fail to compete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to compete" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where someone or something is unable to match or contend with others in a competitive context. Example: "Due to a lack of resources, the company began to fail to compete with its larger rivals in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

We have to use what we have more efficiently, or we will fail to compete.

The Guardian

Both A and B benefit when the airlines fail to compete because they share the airlines' above-market profits.

The Economist

Yet even if free schools fail to compete head on with existing ones, Mr Gove thinks they can still raise standards through what he calls the "beacon effect".

The Economist

The 3DS handheld, though, continues to sell well, despite dire predictions at its 2011 launch that it would fail to compete with gaming on mobile phones.

The Guardian - Tech

Contrary to Nader's claim that he's running against Tweedledum and Tweedledee, Bush and Gore differ on plenty -- taxation, education reform, missile defense -- but where they fail to compete, the consumer advocate offers millions a way out of apathy.

The New York Times

Greg Dyke has warned England will "fail to compete seriously on the world stage" altogether if an "alarming" lack of homegrown talent is not urgently addressed, and the new Football Association chairman has set the target of winning the 2022 World Cup to focus minds.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Sony absorbed Aiwa last year after it failed to compete against rivals from China, South Korea and elsewhere.

The New York Times

And yet citizenship failed to compete with the lure of enlistment in an imagined jihadi militia.

The New Yorker

It has also failed to compete on cost, with burdensome regulations and higher transaction costs adding up.

The Economist

However, its fortunes again turned as it failed to compete with more fashionable alternatives such as Primark and H&M.

The Guardian - Business

Klinsmann concedes that his team, depleted in defense as it was, failed to compete and failed the test of skill against Barcelona.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fail to compete", ensure you specify the area or context in which the failure occurs for clarity. For instance, "fail to compete in international markets" is more informative than simply "fail to compete".

Common error

Avoid using "fail to compete" without providing specific reasons or context. Instead of saying "the company failed to compete", specify why they failed, such as "the company failed to compete due to outdated technology".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to compete" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the inability or failure to be competitive in a specific context. Ludwig AI examples confirm its usage in describing market performance, sports, and even biological processes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fail to compete" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes an inability to be successful in a competitive environment. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business. When using the phrase, clarity is enhanced by specifying the area of competition. Alternatives such as "struggle to compete" or "be unable to compete" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be unable to compete

States a lack of ability to compete, similar to the original phrase but more formal.

struggle to compete

Emphasizes the difficulty experienced while attempting to compete.

lack the capacity to compete

Highlights the absence of necessary resources or skills for competition.

prove uncompetitive

Focuses on the outcome of being unable to compete effectively.

fall behind in competition

Indicates a decline in competitive standing relative to others.

lose out in the competition

Highlights the negative result of not being able to compete.

come up short

Indicates a failure to achieve the level required for effective competition.

be outmatched

Suggests a significant difference in ability, leading to a failure to compete.

can't hold a candle to

Emphasizes the superiority of the competition.

be no match for

States that there is an important difference in ability.

FAQs

What does it mean to "fail to compete"?

To "fail to compete" means being unable to be as successful as others in a contest or market. It indicates a lack of competitiveness.

What are some synonyms for "fail to compete"?

Synonyms include "struggle to compete", "be unable to compete", or "prove uncompetitive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How to use "fail to compete" in a sentence?

Example: "If businesses don't innovate, they will "fail to compete" in the global market."

What are the reasons why a company might "fail to compete"?

Reasons can include lack of innovation, insufficient resources, poor management, or inability to adapt to market changes.