fail to thrive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fail to thrive" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in medical or developmental contexts to describe a child or individual who is not growing or developing as expected. Example: "The pediatrician expressed concern that the infant might fail to thrive if proper nutritional support was not provided."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Many fail to thrive.

The Economist

Eventually, though, even lawns fail to thrive under constant trampling.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If they don't get enough vitamin B, they fail to thrive.

Independent

Affected children appear normal at birth but fail to thrive and later lose muscle tone, becoming lethargic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some infants with severe noncyanotic varieties of congenital heart disease may fail to thrive and may have breathing difficulties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All but a few of the children in the welfare hotels will fail to thrive in any meaningful respect.

The New Yorker

That designation makes it easier to remove bears that come into conflict with people or fail to thrive.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

It too has failed to thrive.

The Economist

"Our community failed to thrive because we failed to stay".

The New York Times

Without sun, crops failed to thrive and famine resulted.

The Guardian

The plants in the Congo house, fittingly enough, failed to thrive.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a child's development, use "fail to thrive" to indicate a serious concern that requires investigation into potential underlying medical or environmental causes.

Common error

Avoid using "fail to thrive" metaphorically when describing general setbacks or lack of success in business or personal life. It's best reserved for situations involving health, growth, and development. Use phrases like "not prosper" or "struggle" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fail to thrive" functions primarily as a predicate, describing the state of a subject (child, plant, animal, etc.) that is not developing or growing as expected. Ludwig's examples show its usage in medical, scientific, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fail to thrive" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe inadequate growth or development, primarily in health-related contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While versatile, it's best used in formal or neutral registers when discussing specific developmental concerns. For alternative expressions, consider "not develop adequately" or "fall behind", depending on the nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts where simpler alternatives are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not flourish

This phrase is a direct synonym replacement, using a different word for thriving.

fall behind

This suggests lagging compared to expected benchmarks.

not develop adequately

This phrase replaces the metaphorical "thrive" with a more literal description of inadequate development.

not progress

A simple and direct way of saying that development is not happening.

stagnate

This term suggests a lack of progress or growth.

not reach potential

This focuses on the unrealized capabilities due to the failure to thrive.

wither

This implies a decline and decay, similar to not thriving.

languish

This term conveys a sense of weakness and decline.

deteriorate

Suggests a progressive decline in health or condition.

not do well

This is a more general and less specific way of expressing the same concept.

FAQs

What does "fail to thrive" mean in a medical context?

In a medical context, "fail to thrive" describes a condition where an infant or child is not growing or developing as expected, often due to underlying health issues, nutritional deficiencies, or environmental factors.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "fail to thrive"?

The phrase "fail to thrive" is most appropriate when discussing the health and development of children, animals, or plants. It is typically used in medical, scientific, or agricultural contexts.

What are some alternative phrases for "fail to thrive"?

Some alternative phrases include "not develop adequately", "not flourish", or "fall behind", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "fail to thrive" a formal or informal expression?

"Fail to thrive" is a relatively formal expression, often used in professional or medical settings. In more informal contexts, you might choose a simpler phrase like "not doing well" or "struggling to grow".