failed apology

USAGE SUMMARY

"failed apology" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe an apology that does not effectively convey remorse or is insincere. Example: His failed apology only made the situation worse. Alternative expressions include "insincere apology" and "unconvincing apology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

By Jeremy Denk June 9, 2017 How a failed apology gift became my longest-serving roommate.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

And if they fail, apologies are likely to follow.

The New York Times - Sports

Among experts in the field, the record of failed public apologies in the last few years alone has been rich enough to spawn its own shorthand.

The New York Times

When all else fails my apology letter from the team at BeatBullying can be used to help a disruptive student write an apology to their teacher, or the rest of the class.

The Guardian

His subsequent apology failed to appease his superior, the bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres, who said he was "appalled" by Broadbent's comments.

The Guardian

A swift removal and apology failed to prevent a £90,000 fine.

BBC

But the apology failed to stop anger on social media, which led to the city's tourist agency criticising Ms Sedlar's actions.

BBC

And the author of the Hillsborough Families Support Group  submission to the Home Secretary in 2009 - which called for a full review of the case - said Taylor's apology failed to address the issue as it still compared Evans' case to Hillsborough.

BBC

But the apology failed to combat a widening perception that U2, the once-punky outfit that put out its first album in 1980, had gotten too big, too cocky, too sure of its own importance.

Los Angeles Times

But the apologies failed to quash an embarrassing 11% shareholder rebellion against HSBC's executive pay report.

The Guardian - Business

The Beijing government permits the lawsuits because 14 forced-labor cases filed in Japanese courts over the past decade have failed to produce apologies or monetary damages.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an apology as a "failed apology", be specific about why it failed. What was missing? Was it insincere, poorly timed, or lacking in specific details regarding the offense?

Common error

Avoid using "failed apology" as a blanket term. Always provide context to explain why the apology was ineffective, or you risk sounding dismissive and lacking in understanding of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed apology" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the nature or outcome of an apology. Ludwig AI validates this as correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failed apology" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an apology that did not meet its intended goal. While relatively infrequent in occurrence, according to Ludwig, its meaning is readily understood, referring to apologies that are insincere, inadequate, or poorly delivered. The phrase is predominantly found in news and media contexts. Alternative phrases such as "ineffective apology" or "insincere apology" can be used to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ineffective apology

Focuses on the lack of desired impact or outcome of the apology.

Insincere apology

Highlights the lack of genuine remorse or sincerity behind the apology.

Poorly executed apology

Emphasizes the flawed delivery or content of the apology.

Botched apology

Suggests the apology was clumsily handled and made the situation worse.

Inadequate apology

Indicates the apology didn't meet the required level of sincerity or contrition.

Unsuccessful apology

Stresses that the apology did not achieve its intended purpose.

Deficient apology

Highlights the shortcomings or missing elements in the apology.

Lame apology

Implies the apology was weak, unconvincing and showed a lack of effort.

Half-hearted apology

Suggests a lack of enthusiasm or genuine feeling in the apology.

Empty apology

Highlights the lack of substance or genuine remorse in the apology.

FAQs

What does "failed apology" mean?

A "failed apology" refers to an apology that did not achieve its intended purpose, whether due to insincerity, inadequacy, or poor delivery. It didn't effectively convey remorse or mend the relationship.

What can I say instead of "failed apology"?

You can use alternatives like "ineffective apology", "insincere apology", or "poorly executed apology", depending on the specific reason the apology was unsuccessful.

How do you use "failed apology" in a sentence?

You might say: "His attempt to apologize was a "failed apology" because he didn't acknowledge the harm he caused" or "The company's statement was viewed as a "failed apology" by the community.".

What makes an apology a "failed apology"?

An apology becomes a "failed apology" when it lacks sincerity, avoids taking responsibility, is poorly timed, or fails to address the actual harm caused. The recipient does not feel heard or validated.