failed bid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed bid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unsuccessful attempt to win a contract, auction, or proposal. Example: "The company submitted a proposal for the project, but unfortunately, it was a failed bid."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A frenzy of activity followed the failed bid.

The New York Times

2010 Masterminds David Miliband's failed bid for Labour leadership.

Independent

View a gallery of Liu Xiang's failed bid for gold.

The Guardian - Sport

There was no Triple Crown champion to celebrate or failed bid to lament Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

ANNALS OF COMMUNICATIONS about lessons to be learned from Barry Diller's failed bid for CBS.

The New Yorker

Recently talk has centred on whether BHP will revive its failed bid for Rio.

The Economist

| Why New York's failed bid to host the Olympics might be a good thing.

The New York Times

(He made a failed bid for the San Diego Padres last summer).

The New York Times

Mr Salmond resigned as Scottish First Minister in September following the failed bid for Scottish independence.

Independent

His failed bid to expand the Modern — in which he named a central tower "moma, Inc".

The New Yorker

The deal announcement is haunted by the specter of Staples's failed bid to buy Office Depot.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "failed bid" when you want to clearly and concisely indicate an unsuccessful attempt to obtain something through a competitive process, such as an auction, tender, or proposal.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "failed bid" without explaining the specifics of the attempt. Provide details to make the situation more understandable and engaging for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed bid" functions as a noun phrase that describes an unsuccessful attempt to obtain something, typically in a competitive context such as an auction, tender, or proposal. As Ludwig highlights, it's a direct way to convey that an effort didn't succeed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failed bid" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe an unsuccessful attempt, mainly in competitive scenarios. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across news, encyclopedias, and business contexts, maintaining a neutral tone. While highly common, it's advisable to provide sufficient context to enrich the communication. Alternatives like "unsuccessful attempt" or "unsuccessful tender" can be used for variety, but "failed bid" remains a clear and direct way to convey the message. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsuccessful attempt

Focuses on the attempt itself being not successful.

unsuccessful tender

Specifically refers to a bid made in a formal process, such as a contract.

abortive effort

Highlights the effort being cut short or failing to achieve its purpose.

failed venture

Refers to a business or project that did not succeed.

fruitless endeavor

Emphasizes the lack of positive results or outcomes.

miscarried plan

Highlights the plan failing to achieve its intended outcome.

botched attempt

Implies the attempt was poorly executed or mismanaged.

collapsed negotiation

Suggests a breakdown in discussions or bargaining that led to failure.

losing proposition

Focuses on the inherent unprofitability or disadvantage of the bid.

unrealized ambition

Emphasizes the ambition or goal not being achieved.

FAQs

How can I use "failed bid" in a sentence?

You can use "failed bid" to describe an unsuccessful attempt to win a contract, auction, or proposal. For example: "The company's "failed bid" for the project led them to reconsider their strategy."

What are some alternatives to "failed bid"?

Alternatives include "unsuccessful attempt", "abortive effort", or "unsuccessful tender", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "failed bid" or "unsuccessful bid"?

Both "failed bid" and "unsuccessful bid" are acceptable. "Unsuccessful bid" may sound slightly more formal, but they are largely interchangeable.

What does it mean when something is described as a "failed bid"?

A "failed bid" indicates that an attempt to acquire something, usually through a competitive process, was not successful. It implies that the bid did not meet the required criteria or was outcompeted by other offers.