fail to materialize

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But these benefits could fail to materialize.

The New York Times - Tech

If interesting features fail to materialize, aggressive merging provides particle economy.

Journal of Computational Physics

It's a speech stuffed full of promises; it's natural that some would fail to materialize.

The Guardian

But if any of these links fail to materialize, so will the new jobs.

The New Yorker

It's an expensive gamble, for if crowds fail to materialize the enterprise could be dismissed as a boondoggle.

The New Yorker

But because technology tends to be romanticized as a magic pill, these possibilities often fail to materialize.

The New York Times

Not only did the epidemic fail to materialize, but many people also developed an exaggerated fear of the vaccine itself.

The New York Times

But it's also possible that repeal will go forward, and then a replacement will miraculously fail to materialize.

The Washington Post

Then they wait patiently for the payoff only to suffer bitter disappointment as the expected improvements fail to materialize.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Girls failed to materialize.

The New Yorker

Weather work failed to materialize.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your context. While generally acceptable, "fail to materialize" can sometimes sound slightly formal, so choose alternatives if a more casual tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "fail to materialize" in very informal settings. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "didn't happen" or "fell through" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to materialize" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the non-occurrence or non-realization of something expected or planned. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. Examples show it used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

27%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fail to materialize" is a grammatically sound and common way to express that something expected did not happen. According to Ludwig, it is widely used across various fields, with a slightly formal tone suitable for professional, academic, and journalistic contexts. While simple and direct, remember to adjust your phrasing to fit the setting, opting for less formal options in casual conversation. Using alternatives like "fall through" or "not come to pass" can help tailor your message effectively. Analysis of numerous examples confirms its appropriate use in describing unfulfilled plans or expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not come to pass

Replaces "materialize" with a more formal and somewhat archaic phrase.

fall through

Uses a simpler, more informal phrasal verb to convey the idea of a plan failing.

come to nothing

Emphasizes the lack of result or success.

prove abortive

Uses a more formal and less common adjective to describe the failure.

not pan out

An idiomatic expression indicating that something did not work out as expected.

be unrealized

Focuses on the state of something not being brought into reality.

not be fulfilled

Highlights the lack of completion or achievement of something promised or expected.

vanish into thin air

Emphasizes the sudden and complete disappearance of something, often unexpectedly.

dissolve

Suggests a gradual fading away or disintegration of plans or expectations.

evaporate

Similar to dissolve, but implies a more sudden disappearance, like water turning into vapor.

FAQs

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

You can use "fail to materialize" to describe situations where something expected or planned does not happen. For example, "Despite the initial excitement, the project "failed to materialize" due to lack of funding."

What are some alternatives to "fail to materialize"?

Alternatives include "not come to pass", "fall through", or "come to nothing", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "failed to materialize" and "did not materialize" are grammatically correct. "Failed to materialize" might sound slightly more formal or emphatic than "did not materialize".

What does it mean when something "fails to materialize"?

When something "fails to materialize", it means that it doesn't happen, become real, or occur as expected. It suggests that there was an expectation or plan that ultimately was not fulfilled.