failed to obtain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to obtain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that an attempt to acquire something was unsuccessful. Example: "Despite numerous efforts, the team failed to obtain the necessary funding for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For two genes (grd-3 and grl-22) we failed to obtain GFP reporter constructs.

BMC Genomics

She failed to obtain that unity.

The Guardian - Opinion

They failed to obtain "fast track" trade negotiating authority.

The New York Times

The authorities failed to obtain an indictment, and returned the money to Mr. Juliano.

The New York Times

But Wolsey, having failed to obtain an annulment for the King, was soon dismissed.

The New Yorker

Binalshibh was supposed to have trained with Jarrah but failed to obtain a U.S. visa.

The New York Times

The city also said the organizers failed to obtain a proper permit for the march.

The New York Times

Even though they held valid permits, the city claims they failed to obtain new stickers.

The New York Times

The government dropped the treason charges in July 1959 after it failed to obtain indictments.

The New York Times

Even East German diplomats, despite serious efforts, failed to obtain any transcripts.

The Guardian

Federal investigators also found that physicians failed to obtain "informed consent" from Rivers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly indicates what specific item, permission, or result was not obtained to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to obtain" when the subject simply didn't try. This phrase implies an attempt was made. Use "did not obtain" if no effort was exerted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to obtain" functions as a verb phrase indicating the lack of success in acquiring something. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct. Many examples showcase this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

36%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "failed to obtain" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes an unsuccessful attempt to acquire something. Ludwig's analysis shows it's frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While versatile, more formal alternatives like "proved unsuccessful in securing" can be used to enhance the sophistication of your writing. Remember to avoid using it when there was no actual attempt made. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase, reinforcing its wide acceptance in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not manage to get

Rephrases the idea with "did not manage", implying an attempt was made but was unsuccessful.

were unable to acquire

Uses "unable to acquire", emphasizing the inability to gain possession of something.

did not succeed in getting

Emphasizes the lack of success in acquiring or achieving something specific.

proved unsuccessful in securing

More formal, highlights the lack of success in making something secure or certain.

could not procure

Uses "procure", which implies effort was made to get or obtain something, typically in a formal context.

fell short of acquiring

Emphasizes a failure to reach the standard or effort to acquire something

missed out on securing

Indicates a lost opportunity to secure something, suggesting a degree of chance or competition.

were thwarted in their attempt to get

Emphasizes external factors hindering the attempt to obtain something.

were balked at gaining

A less common and more forceful way to indicate obstruction in acquiring something.

came up short in their quest to obtain

Idiomatic expression emphasizing the effort expended but ultimate failure.

FAQs

What is a more formal way to say "failed to obtain"?

More formal alternatives include "proved unsuccessful in securing" or "could not procure", which are suitable for academic or professional writing.

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

You can use "failed to obtain" to indicate an unsuccessful attempt to acquire something. For example: "The company failed to obtain the necessary permits for construction."

What's the difference between "failed to obtain" and "did not obtain"?

"Failed to obtain" implies an attempt was made but was unsuccessful, while "did not obtain" simply states that something was not acquired, without implying any effort.

Which is correct: "failed to obtain" or "failed at obtaining"?

"Failed to obtain" is the more common and grammatically preferred construction. "Failed at obtaining" is less frequent and can sound awkward.