fail to deliver

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to deliver" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something does not meet expectations or obligations, particularly in business or service scenarios. Example: "The company promised to launch the product by the end of the month, but they failed to deliver on that promise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You can't fail to deliver.

The Guardian

It didn't fail to deliver.

The Guardian - Travel

(Snapshots of Bourgeois never fail to deliver).

The New Yorker

"If they fail to deliver," warned Alli.

The Guardian

If politicians fail to deliver recovery, they will be replaced.

The Economist

It is liable to fail to deliver on that promise.

The New York Times

And when they fail to deliver, the entire team disappoints.

The New York Times

Its 445 pages fail to deliver a knockout blow.

The Economist

The first is that fads fail to deliver.

The Economist

Pakistani courts fail to deliver any semblance of due process.

The Guardian - Books

But the most heralded technological promises fail to deliver.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fail to deliver", ensure the context clearly indicates what expectation or promise was unmet. Be specific about the object or outcome that was not provided.

Common error

While "fail to deliver" is acceptable, excessive use can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "fall short" or "not fulfill" for a more nuanced and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to deliver" functions as a verb phrase indicating a failure to meet an expectation or obligation. It commonly describes situations where a promised outcome or product is not provided. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a straightforward way to express non-fulfillment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fail to deliver" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate a failure to meet expectations or fulfill obligations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts, it serves to express disappointment or criticism when promises are unmet. While versatile, overusing it may lead to repetitiveness, so diversifying with synonyms like "fall short" can enhance writing. When you make use of this phrase, clearly specify the expectation that was not met to maximize clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall short

This alternative is more concise and general, implying a failure to reach a required standard.

miss the mark

This alternative suggests a failure to achieve a specific target or goal.

not fulfill

This alternative directly addresses the failure to satisfy a promise or obligation.

disappoint expectations

This alternative focuses on the negative emotional impact of not meeting expectations.

renege on

This alternative implies a deliberate breaking of a promise or agreement.

default on

This alternative is often used in financial contexts, referring to a failure to meet financial obligations.

be unable to provide

This alternative is a more formal way of expressing a failure to supply something needed or expected.

prove inadequate

This alternative suggests that something is not sufficient or effective for a particular purpose.

not live up to

This alternative focuses on the failure to meet a certain standard or expectation.

come up short

This alternative is more informal and implies a failure to reach a required amount or standard.

FAQs

How can I use "fail to deliver" in a sentence?

You can use "fail to deliver" to describe a situation where someone or something does not meet expectations. For example: "The project "failed to deliver" the expected results" or "The company "failed to deliver on its promise"".

What are some alternatives to "fail to deliver"?

Some alternatives include "fall short", "miss the mark", "not fulfill", or "disappoint expectations". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it better to say "fail to deliver" or "failed to deliver"?

The choice between "fail to deliver" and "failed to deliver" depends on the tense of the sentence. Use "fail to deliver" in present or future contexts and "failed to deliver" in past contexts. For example: "If they "fail to deliver", there will be consequences" versus "They "failed to deliver" the product on time".

What's the difference between "fail to deliver" and "refuse to deliver"?

"Fail to deliver" implies an inability or omission in providing something, while "refuse to deliver" suggests a deliberate choice not to provide it. One indicates a lack of success, while the other indicates a conscious decision.