failed to secure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to secure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing an unsuccessful attempt to obtain or achieve something, such as a position, funding, or agreement. Example: "The company failed to secure the necessary funding for the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he failed to secure a deal.

The Guardian - Tech

But Yahoo failed to secure such a commitment.

The New York Times

Since then, the Coalition has failed to secure the country.

The New Yorker

The government has completely failed to secure this.

The Guardian - Opinion

But our president failed to secure the peace".

The Guardian

Nonetheless, controversies erupted in some of the states that failed to secure the funds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They failed to secure sufficient evidence and the rancour against Orford petered out.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But she failed to secure even a simple majority among her own coalition.

The Economist

U.S. assistance failed to secure transparent, participatory governance based on the rule of law.

The New York Times

Some of those who failed to secure farm subsidies for their constituents might have been vulnerable.

The Economist

But it has failed to secure United Nations support for airstrikes in Syria.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed to secure", ensure the context clearly indicates what was not obtained and why it was important. This provides clarity and impact in your writing.

Common error

Avoid embedding "failed to secure" within overly complex sentences. This can obscure the meaning and reduce the impact. Instead, use shorter, more direct sentences for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to secure" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of success in obtaining or achieving something. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples showcase its use in various contexts, like failing to secure funding, peace, or evidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failed to secure" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe an unsuccessful attempt to obtain something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. When writing, ensure the context clearly explains what was not secured and why it matters. While "failed to secure" is appropriate for most situations, consider alternatives like "was unable to obtain" or "did not manage to acquire" for subtle differences in meaning. Avoid using the phrase in overly complex sentences to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could not achieve

Highlights the lack of attainment or accomplishment.

was unable to obtain

Focuses on the inability to get something, highlighting the lack of capability or opportunity.

did not succeed in acquiring

States plainly that the effort to acquire something was not successful.

did not manage to acquire

Emphasizes the lack of successful management in the process of acquiring something.

was unsuccessful in its bid for

Emphasizes the failure of a formal attempt or bid to secure something.

proved unsuccessful in obtaining

Formally states the lack of success in the attempt to obtain something.

fell short of acquiring

Indicates a failure to reach the goal of acquiring something.

found it impossible to gain

Stresses the insurmountable difficulty in gaining or securing something.

missed out on obtaining

Highlights the lost opportunity to secure something.

was defeated in the attempt to get

Suggests a struggle or competition where the effort to get something was unsuccessful.

FAQs

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

You can use "failed to secure" to describe an unsuccessful attempt to obtain something. For example, "The company "failed to secure" the necessary funding for the project".

What are some alternatives to "failed to secure"?

Alternatives include "was unable to obtain", "did not manage to acquire", or "could not achieve", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "failed to secure" or "did not secure"?

"Failed to secure" implies an attempt was made but was unsuccessful, while "did not secure" is a more neutral statement that simply states that something was not obtained. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone "failed to secure" a deal?

It means they attempted to reach an agreement or arrangement, but were unsuccessful. Factors could include disagreements on terms, lack of resources, or external circumstances preventing the deal from being finalized.