failed expectation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed expectation" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe a situation where someone's expectations were not met, or were not fulfilled as anticipated. This can be used in various contexts, such as personal relationships, work, or even in storytelling. Example: Despite her efforts, Jane's presentation failed to meet the expectations of her boss and colleagues, resulting in disappointment and a sense of failure.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Two couples -- Buddy Dannyy Burstein and Sally (a beautifully calibrated Peters and Phylliss (a rueful, ravishing Jan Maxwell) and Ben Ron Rainess) -- play out their failed marriages, we bear witness to the complicated sadness of failed expectation, lingering love and the tyranny of time.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"There's a history of disappointment and failed expectations," he says.

The Economist

How quickly the golden hue of optimism fades into the familiar gloom of disappointment and failed expectations.

The Guardian - Sport

As the film slate failed expectations, said Aramid's complaint, Sony rebuffed Citibank's attempt to avoid funding new movies, though Aramid argued that new films might provide major hits that would boost the entire slate.

The New York Times

The Nets' playoff hopes officially came to an end tonight, brought crashing down by a Miami Heat team that proved too powerful for a team reeling from a depleted backcourt and failed expectations.

The New York Times - Sports

The potential misalignment between architecture and code can lead to failures in the evolution process in terms of economic impacts, failed expectations, and so on.

Journal of Systems and Software

Ebay's $260 million acquisition in May 1999 of 135-year-old Butterfield & Butterfield is a case study in mutual inscrutability and failed expectations.

Forbes

Ebay's $260 million acquisition in May 1999 of the 135-year-old Butterfield & Butterfield is a case study in mutual inscrutability and failed expectations.

Forbes

Family means pressure, expectations, failed expectations, veiled insults, and not so veiled insults.

Vice

We also sidestep the urge to punish each other (and ourselves) for failed expectations.

Huffington Post

President Johnson said after the report was released in January 1964 that "The findings of this Task Force are dramatic evidence that poverty is still with us, still exacting its price in spoiled lives and failed expectations.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed expectation", ensure the context clearly indicates whose expectation was not met and the consequences of this failure.

Common error

Avoid using "failed expectation" without specifying the subject of the expectation. Ambiguity can weaken the impact of your statement. Always provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed expectation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness. It typically describes a situation where an anticipated outcome or result did not materialize.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "failed expectation" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to express disappointment or lack of success when an anticipated outcome does not occur. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently encountered in news, science, and business contexts. While variations like "unmet expectation" or "disappointed hope" can be used, it's essential to provide context to clarify whose expectation was not met. Common errors include overgeneralization, underscoring the need for specificity in usage. This phrase's formality leans towards neutral, making it suitable for professional and news-oriented communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unmet expectation

Replaces "failed" with "unmet", emphasizing the lack of fulfillment.

disappointed hope

Shifts from expectation to the related concept of "hope", highlighting the disappointment.

frustrated anticipation

Focuses on the feeling of frustration arising from unmet anticipation.

unfulfilled prospect

Replaces "expectation" with "prospect", suggesting a potential that didn't materialize.

dashed hope

Uses "dashed" to convey a sudden and forceful end to hope.

thwarted expectation

Uses "thwarted" which suggests an active prevention of the expectation being fulfilled.

unrealized ambition

Emphasizes the ambition that was not brought to fruition.

abortive attempt

Highlights the attempt made, but also the fact that it was unsuccessful.

miscarried plan

Uses "miscarried", suggesting that the plan's failure involved elements beyond simple lack of fulfillment.

floundered undertaking

Emphasizes the struggling and ultimately failing nature of the undertaking.

FAQs

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

You can use "failed expectation" to describe situations where anticipated outcomes did not occur, such as "The project's "failed expectation" led to budget cuts".

What are some alternatives to "failed expectation"?

Alternatives include "unmet expectation", "disappointed hope", and "frustrated anticipation", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to say "failed expectation" or "unmet expectation"?

Both "failed expectation" and "unmet expectation" are correct. "Failed" emphasizes the lack of success, while "unmet" emphasizes the lack of fulfillment. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "failed expectation" and "missed opportunity"?

"Failed expectation" refers to an anticipated outcome that didn't occur, while "missed opportunity" refers to a chance that was not taken or utilized. They describe different types of unrealized potential.