failed to perform

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to perform" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation where someone or something did not meet expectations or complete a task. Example: "The contractor failed to perform the work as outlined in the agreement, leading to delays in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They know the team failed to perform.

Independent

They failed to perform, due to a drugs-related indisposition.

The Guardian

Too often expensive weapons have failed to perform as advertised.

The New York Times

Government just failed to perform, and people died.

The New York Times

If you did not, you failed to perform the research expected from a serious publication.

Princeton University

Mr. Kerby said the district failed to perform any oversight on Dr. Sonedecker.

The New York Times

Their first game was a letdown and they failed to perform.

The Guardian - Sport

"There needs to be accountability for any peacekeeping unit that failed to perform".

The Guardian

Most other sequels this summer have failed to perform at the levels of their predecessors.

The New York Times

Had one individual consistently failed to perform their role, the whole system would break down.

The Guardian - Sport

Meanwhile, dozens of underwhelming players arrived on generous contracts and failed to perform.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed to perform", ensure the context clearly identifies what was expected and why the failure occurred. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to perform" without specifying what exactly didn't perform. For instance, instead of saying "The system failed to perform", specify "The system failed to perform the data backup".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to perform" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a lack of successful execution or fulfillment of an expected action or duty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failed to perform" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to express a lack of expected execution or fulfillment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used across various domains, including news, science, and academia. Its neutral register makes it suitable for discussing shortcomings in a professional and objective manner. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what exactly "failed to perform" and the context of the failure. Considering alternatives like "did not execute" or "fell short of expectations" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not execute

Focuses on the act of not carrying out a specific task or plan.

was unable to fulfill

Emphasizes the lack of capacity or means to meet a requirement or obligation.

fell short of expectations

Highlights the discrepancy between the actual outcome and the anticipated result.

did not come up to par

Indicates a failure to meet a standard or level of performance.

proved inadequate

Stresses the insufficient or unsuitable nature of something for a particular purpose.

was deficient in execution

Highlights shortcomings in the way a task was carried out.

lacked proficiency

Focuses on the absence of skill or expertise needed for successful completion.

could not deliver

Emphasizes the inability to provide a promised or expected outcome.

missed the mark

Suggests a failure to achieve a target or goal.

bombed out

Informal way to say someone or something completely failed.

FAQs

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

You can use "failed to perform" to describe instances where someone or something didn't meet expectations or complete a task. For example: "The team "failed to perform" in the final match."

What are some alternatives to "failed to perform"?

You can use alternatives like "did not execute", "was unable to fulfill", or "fell short of expectations" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "failed to perform" or "did not perform"?

"Failed to perform" implies a stronger sense of expectation and disappointment compared to the more neutral "did not perform". The choice depends on the intended tone and context.

What does it mean when something "failed to perform"?

When something "failed to perform", it means that it did not work as expected or did not achieve the desired result. This can apply to individuals, teams, systems, or even products.