fail to materialise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to materialise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something that was expected or planned does not happen or come into existence. Example: "Despite the initial excitement, the project failed to materialise due to lack of funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Local elections: why did Labour's possible victories fail to materialise?

The Guardian

If those policies fail to materialise, the IEA predicts 6C.

The Guardian

Hope turns to disappointment and rage as the benefits they anticipated fail to materialise.

Independent

Reform fatigue is mounting as visible results in growth and jobs fail to materialise".

Independent

If those fail to materialise, it is not just Florida and Texas that will lose out.

The Economist

Shows in the city are regularly cancelled when theatregoers fail to materialise.

The Guardian

Words like "tarnished" enter the story when idealised women fail to materialise.

The Guardian - Books

As long as jobs fail to materialise in post-industrial towns, empty terraces will multiply.

The Guardian - Opinion

But if tangible economic improvements fail to materialise, public discontent may give hardliners an opportunity to hit back.

Independent

These promise to consumers who pay hefty joining fees heavily discounted luxury holidays, which often fail to materialise.

Independent

Even if big innovations in lithium technology fail to materialise, lithium batteries seem to have a bright future.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fail to materialise" when describing anticipated events, plans, or outcomes that do not occur or become reality. Ensure the context clearly indicates an expectation that was not met.

Common error

Avoid using "fail to materialise" when you mean something simply didn't happen without any prior expectation. For instance, don't say "The accident failed to materialise" if there was no expectation of an accident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to materialise" functions as a predicate in sentences, indicating that an expected event, plan, or outcome did not occur. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fail to materialise" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe situations where expected events or plans do not occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and can be applied across various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it leans toward formality. Consider alternative phrases like "not come to fruition" or "fall through" depending on the desired level of formality. Be sure to use it when there's a clear expectation that something should happen, not merely when something doesn't occur without prior anticipation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not come to fruition

Emphasizes the lack of positive outcome or realization of a plan or idea.

not come to pass

A more formal way to express that an event did not occur as anticipated.

fall through

Suggests a plan or agreement collapsed or failed before completion.

not pan out

An informal way to say something did not work out or succeed.

prove abortive

Highlights that an attempt was unsuccessful and came to nothing.

come to nothing

Emphasizes the lack of results or positive outcomes from an effort.

dissolve

Suggests a gradual fading away or disintegration of a plan or hope.

not happen

A basic way of expressing that an event did not take place.

be unrealized

Highlights the lack of fulfillment or actualization of a potential.

not be realised

Highlights the lack of fulfillment or actualization of a potential.

FAQs

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

You can use "fail to materialise" to describe plans, hopes, or expectations that did not come to fruition. For example, "Despite the initial enthusiasm, the project "failed to materialise" due to funding issues."

What is a more formal alternative to "fail to materialise"?

A more formal alternative to "fail to materialise" is "not come to pass". This phrase is often used in more serious or official contexts.

What's a less formal way to say "fail to materialise"?

A less formal way to say "fail to materialise" is "fall through" or "not pan out". These phrases are suitable for everyday conversations.

Is "fail to materialise" the same as "fail to realize"?

While both phrases involve failure, they are not identical. "Fail to realise" means to not understand or become aware of something, while "fail to materialise" means something expected did not happen.