failed to meet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to meet" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you can use it in a sentence such as: "The sales team failed to meet their goal for the quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Each failed to meet expectations.

The Economist

Both failed to meet perhaps unrealistic expectations.

The New York Times - Sports

Defendants failed to meet that burden".

The New York Times

They failed to meet the deadline.

The New York Times

Target, however, failed to meet expectations.

The New York Times

Russia has failed to meet those obligations.

The Guardian - Opinion

The company failed to meet deadlines for restoring power.

The New York Times

Banks also failed to meet strict timelines for approving applications.

The New York Times

That raised expectations that it has conspicuously failed to meet.

The Economist

The first two failed to meet Mr. Jobs's exacting standards.

The New York Times - Tech

Athens has failed to meet its own deficit-cutting targets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed to meet", ensure the subject clearly identifies what standard, expectation, or goal was not achieved. Provide context to clarify the nature and consequences of the failure.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to meet" without specifying what was not met. For example, instead of "The project failed to meet", specify "The project failed to meet the deadline".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to meet" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of fulfillment or achievement. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The subject of the phrase does not satisfy the expectation or standard indicated by the object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

38%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failed to meet" is a versatile and common expression used to indicate that a standard, expectation, or goal was not achieved. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Analysis of the examples from Ludwig shows that the phrase frequently appears in News & Media and Scientific contexts, with a neutral register making it suitable for various writing styles. When using "failed to meet", ensure you specify what was not met to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives such as "did not achieve" or "fell short of" for nuanced meaning. By providing clear context and considering alternative phrasing, you can effectively communicate the idea of not meeting expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not achieve

Replaces "failed" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the lack of accomplishment.

did not satisfy

Emphasizes the lack of fulfillment of a specific condition or requirement.

fell short of

Implies a comparison to a desired level or standard, highlighting the deficiency.

did not fulfill

Similar to "did not satisfy", but often used when referring to obligations or promises.

was unable to reach

Focuses on the inability to attain a specific target or goal.

proved insufficient for

Highlights the inadequacy of something for a particular purpose.

could not accomplish

Emphasizes the lack of successful completion of something.

were deficient in

Focuses on the lack of essential qualities or elements.

missed the mark

An idiomatic expression indicating a failure to achieve the desired outcome.

flunked at

Informal and implies a clear failure, often in a test or evaluation.

FAQs

How can I use "failed to meet" in a sentence?

You can use "failed to meet" to indicate that someone or something did not satisfy a requirement, expectation, or standard. For example, "The company "failed to meet" its sales targets this quarter".

What are some alternatives to "failed to meet"?

Some alternatives include "did not achieve", "did not satisfy", or "fell short of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "did not meet" instead of "failed to meet"?

The phrase "failed to meet" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. "Did not meet" can be considered slightly more neutral, but the difference is minimal. The best choice depends on the overall tone and style of your writing.

When should I use "failed to meet" versus "did not achieve"?

Use "failed to meet" when referring to expectations, standards, or requirements. Use "did not achieve" when referring to goals or accomplishments. For instance, "The product "failed to meet" safety standards," but "The team "did not achieve" its fundraising goal."