failed to make

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to make" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone did not succeed in achieving or producing something. Example: "She failed to make the deadline for the project submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It failed to make it.

The New York Times - Arts

But she failed to make the cut.

The New York Times

He failed to make the cut.

The New York Times - Sports

Fran Halsall failed to make the final.

Independent

Or failed to make it home.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Armenian failed to make an impact.

The Guardian - Sport

President Bush failed to make the effort.

The New York Times

The Canadiens failed to make the playoffs.

The New York Times - Sports

It failed to make any gains.

The Guardian

She failed to make it home.

The Guardian

The Yankees last failed to make the playoffs in 2008.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed to make", ensure the context clearly defines what the subject was attempting to achieve. Clarity helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to make" without specifying the scope or the object of the attempt. For example, instead of saying "The project failed to make", specify "The project failed to make a profit" or "The project failed to make its deadline".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to make" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of success in achieving, producing, or attaining something. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's a common way to express that an effort or attempt did not yield the desired result. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across various contexts, from sports to finance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failed to make" is a versatile phrase used to express a lack of success or achievement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used in diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what was not achieved and consider the tone to suit the context. While "failed to make" is generally neutral, you can opt for more formal or informal alternatives to match your desired register. Understanding its usage patterns and avoiding common errors will enhance your writing precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not achieve

Emphasizes the lack of attainment of a specific goal.

was unable to produce

Highlights the inability to create or bring something into existence.

did not manage to

Focuses on the lack of successful management or execution.

fell short of

Indicates a failure to reach a required standard or target.

proved incapable of

Highlights a demonstrated lack of ability to perform an action.

was unsuccessful in

Emphasizes the lack of success in a particular endeavor.

could not accomplish

Focuses on the inability to bring something to completion.

missed out on

Highlights a lost opportunity or failure to participate.

did not succeed in

Focuses on the lack of success in a particular attempt.

was deficient in

Indicates a lack of a necessary quality or component.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "failed to make" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "did not achieve", "was unable to produce", or "proved incapable of depending on the context.

What's a less direct way to say something "failed to make" an impact?

You could say it "did not have the desired effect" or "did not make much headway". These phrases soften the statement while still conveying the lack of influence.

Is it always negative to say something "failed to make" something?

Yes, "failed to make" generally implies a negative outcome, indicating a lack of success or achievement. However, the degree of negativity can vary depending on the context.

How do I use "failed to make" in a sentence about a financial goal?

You might say, "The company "failed to make" its quarterly revenue target" or "Despite their efforts, they "failed to make" a profit this year".