failed to update

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to update" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that an attempt to make an update was unsuccessful. Example: "The software failed to update, leaving the system vulnerable to security threats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Things have not turned out like that, but Brazil has consistently failed to update this legislation.

The Economist

"Salaries have declined drastically as the government failed to update the income tax minimum.

The Guardian

On Friday, the magazine's Web site was shut down, with officials claiming that it had failed to update its registration.

The New York Times

As far back as the 1940s, Disney had tried and failed to update Hans Christian Andersen's dark fable.

The Guardian - Film

It was Congress that repealed the Glass-Steagall Act, which separated investment and commercial banking, yet failed to update the fraying regulatory system.

The New York Times

The space agency had also failed to update its records for 12 researchers who had died, retired or relocated, in some instances without returning the samples.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

If we fail to update our food it will surely wither and die.

The Guardian - Opinion

Technology will disrupt more industries, creating benefits for society but rendering workers who fail to update their skills redundant.

The Economist

Or situations like mine, where connectivity issues caused the app to fail to update location information.

TechCrunch

An auxiliary controller is employed to follow previously planned paths whenever the main path planning system fails to update the path.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Many drivers face a fine of £1,000 if they fail to update their photo-card driving licences, according to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed to update", ensure the context clearly indicates what should have been updated and why the lack of update is significant. This provides clarity and emphasizes the consequences of the failure.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to update" without explicitly stating what "failed" to be updated. Ambiguity can confuse the reader. Always specify the subject that required updating.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to update" functions as a verb phrase indicating the non-completion of an update process. It typically attributes blame or expresses a negative outcome due to the lack of updating, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

22%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failed to update" is a common verb phrase used to describe the non-completion of an updating process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Scientific sources. It's crucial to specify what "failed" to be updated to maintain clarity. Alternatives like "did not update" or "was unable to update" offer nuanced ways to express the same idea, depending on the context and intended emphasis. When incorporating "failed to update" in writing, ensure it's clear what was meant to be updated and why the lack of an update is significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not update

Indicates a lack of action in bringing something current.

neglected to update

Emphasizes a lack of attention or care in keeping something current.

was unable to update

Highlights the inability or lack of capacity to perform the update.

omitted to update

Suggests an oversight or accidental failure to bring something current.

refused to update

Implies a deliberate decision not to bring something current.

did not refresh

Focuses on the lack of renewal or refreshment of information.

did not modernize

Emphasizes the lack of adapting something to current standards.

left unupdated

Highlights the state of something being not current or refreshed.

missed the update

Suggests a missed opportunity or deadline for updating.

failed to modernize

Emphasizes the lack of adapting something to current standards, indicating a failure in modernization efforts.

FAQs

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

You can use "failed to update" to indicate a lack of necessary updates. For example, "The software "failed to update", causing security vulnerabilities."

What are some alternatives to "failed to update"?

Alternatives include "did not update", "neglected to update", or "was unable to update", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. You can use "did not update" when you're expressing a simple lack of updating. "Neglected to update" suggests a lack of attention, and "was unable to update" suggests an inability.

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

"Failed to update" implies a more significant consequence or expectation than "did not update". "Did not update" is a neutral statement, while "failed to update" often suggests a problem or negative outcome. "Failed to update" often carries a negative connotation.

Is it better to say "failed to update" or "unable to update"?

The choice between "failed to update" and "unable to update" depends on the context. "Failed to update" emphasizes the lack of success, while "unable to update" highlights the lack of capability. If something should have been updated and wasn't, use "failed to update". If there was a genuine impediment, use "unable to update".