fail to launch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to launch" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where something does not start or succeed as intended, often referring to projects, plans, or individuals who struggle to begin or progress. Example: "Despite his best efforts, he seemed to fail to launch his new business idea, leaving him frustrated and unsure of his next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I've seen far too many trust fund kids fail to launch in any direction except down".

The Guardian - Books

"No room is left for the government to hesitate, postpone or fail to launch a cross-border operation".

The New York Times

Spotify (v): To repeatedly and embarrassingly fail to launch in the US.

TechCrunch

In the ocean and life, we more often fail to launch ourselves because of our ideas about perfection than anything else.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

They had failed to launch.

The New York Times

Burberry failed to launch, as a collection.

The New York Times

But somehow the piece fails to launch.

The Guardian

A NASA satellite fails to launch.

The New Yorker

Eli Schwartz has failed to launch, staying home while his classmates move away to college.

The New Yorker

"Our current forecasts assume Cervarix fails to launch in the US until 2014.

The Guardian - Business

Mr Nkunda has so far failed to launch his widely expected attack on Goma.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fail to launch" when describing a situation where an initiative, product, or individual does not achieve its intended start or momentum. It's especially useful when highlighting a lack of initial success.

Common error

Avoid using "fail to launch" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language may be required. Consider alternatives like "did not commence" or "proved unsuccessful" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to launch" functions as a verb phrase that often acts as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the inability or failure of something to start, commence, or become successful. Ludwig confirms this usage by providing examples of it acting as the central verb of a clause.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fail to launch" is a versatile verb phrase indicating a lack of initial success or commencement. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and demonstrates its use across various contexts. While appropriate for general communication, it may be less suitable for formal or technical writing, where more precise terms are preferred. The analysis reveals its primary use in news and media, highlighting its effectiveness in reporting on unfulfilled expectations or unsuccessful endeavors. Remember to use it when describing a stalled beginning, but consider alternatives for different tones and scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not get off the ground

This alternative suggests a project or plan did not even begin successfully.

prove unsuccessful

This is a general term indicating a lack of the desired outcome.

not come to fruition

This suggests a project or plan did not fully develop or materialize.

be a non-starter

This means something was never viable or likely to succeed from the outset.

fall through

This implies a plan or agreement was made, but ultimately did not happen.

miss the mark

This implies a failure to achieve a specific target or objective.

abort

This implies a premature termination of a planned activity, often in a technical context.

come to naught

This formal phrase suggests a complete lack of success or value.

be stillborn

This phrase implies an idea or project was fatally flawed from the beginning.

fizzle out

This informal term suggests a gradual decline and eventual failure.

FAQs

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

You can use "fail to launch" to describe something that doesn't start or succeed as intended. For example, "The project "failed to launch" due to lack of funding".

What are some alternatives to "fail to launch"?

Alternatives include "not get off the ground", "fall through", or "prove unsuccessful" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "failed to launch" or "did not launch"?

"Failed to launch" implies a greater degree of effort or expectation that was not met, whereas "did not launch" is a more neutral statement. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "fail to launch"?

It might be inappropriate in very formal or technical contexts. In those situations, consider using more precise and professional language like "did not commence" or "was not initiated".