failed to seek

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to seek" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a lack of effort or action taken to pursue something, such as information, help, or opportunities. Example: "The committee failed to seek input from the community before making their decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Others have complained that the President has failed to seek national reconciliation.

Independent

But education officials told reporters that Taylor had failed to seek permission from Stuyvesant's principal, Stanley Teitel.

The New York Times - Sports

"He failed to seek assistance that could have saved her life and then refused to tell the truth on arrest and right through the legal process.

The Guardian

But Mrs Arroyo failed to seek consensus among the broader public, Congress and indeed the armed forces before striking her audacious deal.

The Economist

Mr Matolcsy's ministry reportedly failed to seek approval from Mr Navracsics when it invited a tender for 41 department head positions.

The Economist

He alleges that the insurers failed to seek the beneficiaries of policies after the war, and gave their clients' assets away to the Nazis and Nazi sympathisers.

The Economist

The court also ruled that the local agricultural board and the prefect had failed to seek the approval of the ministry of agriculture in Paris.

Independent

Then, in 1995, documents show that she failed to seek medical treatment for minor burns suffered by a child in her care -- a clear violation of policy.

The New York Times

The prime minister, Chilcot said, also failed to "seek adequate assurances that the UK was in a position to meet its likely obligations in Iraq".

The Guardian

In response, an administration official denied that the United States had failed to seek international support for its efforts to gain Iranian cooperation on Khobar Towers.

The New York Times

The 73-year-old denied one charge of murder for the death of a twin boy born to his daughter, for whom Fritzl failed to seek medical help.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed to seek", ensure the context clearly indicates what should have been sought and why it was important. This adds clarity and strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to seek" excessively in passive voice constructions. Active voice often makes the sentence more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "Approval was failed to seek by the committee", try "The committee failed to seek approval."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to seek" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of action or omission in pursuing or attempting to obtain something. It often implies a negative consequence or a missed opportunity. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failed to seek" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that indicates a lack of action or omission in pursuing something, often with negative implications. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and frequency across various contexts, particularly in news and scientific domains. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding what was not sought and its significance is essential. While "failed to seek" is widely accepted, alternatives such as "neglected to obtain" or "did not attempt to acquire" may offer more nuanced expressions. Use it actively and avoid overuse in passive voice for a more direct and impactful statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neglected to obtain

Emphasizes a lack of attention or care in obtaining something.

omitted to pursue

Highlights the act of leaving out or not pursuing a particular course of action.

did not attempt to acquire

Focuses on the absence of an effort to gain or acquire something.

missed the opportunity to get

Highlights a lost chance to obtain something.

refrained from trying to find

Indicates a deliberate holding back from attempting to locate something.

avoided taking steps to procure

Suggests a conscious effort to not take the necessary steps to procure something.

bypassed the process of requesting

Emphasizes the act of skipping or going around the usual process of requesting something.

did not bother to look for

Implies a lack of interest or motivation in finding something.

declined to investigate

Indicates a refusal to look into or inquire about something.

passed up the chance to solicit

Highlights the act of missing an opportunity to ask for something.

FAQs

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

You can use "failed to seek" to indicate a lack of effort or omission in pursuing something. For example, "The company "failed to seek" legal counsel before implementing the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "failed to seek"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "neglected to obtain", "did not attempt to acquire", or "omitted to pursue".

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

"Failed to seek" implies a stronger sense of negligence or omission than "did not seek". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. If you want to emphasize a responsibility or expectation that was not met, "failed to seek" is more appropriate.

What's the difference between "failed to seek" and "unable to seek"?

"Failed to seek" implies a lack of action or negligence, while "unable to seek" suggests an inability or lack of capacity to pursue something. "Failed" indicates a choice or omission, whereas "unable" suggests a constraint or limitation.