failing time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failing time" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts discussing periods of failure or setbacks, but it is not commonly recognized. Example: "During the project, we experienced a failing time that taught us valuable lessons about resilience."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Another way of understanding South Africa is to recognise it as something of an Old Testament story, a tale of people struggling to do right by their gods and failing time and time again.

The Guardian

Attempting to negotiate with Republicans and failing time after time didn't make anyone feel better, except those who want to keep the nation divided for purely political reasons.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Soon after purchasing the failing Times in 1896, Ochs wrote of his vision "to give the news impartially, without fear or favor, regardless of party, sect or interests involved".

The New York Times

Follow Megan KoesThe on Twitter.

Vice

No experience should be discounted, and the effort you put into failing one time can actually benefit you the next time around.

WikiHow

But it seems to be failing this time.

The Economist

And so the audition process is tough, with about half of prospective presenters failing first time.

Independent

In an era -- and a county -- of failing hospitals, time is short.

The New York Times

A disappointment of trains, failing each time to spit from their insides the girl Julian had fought with in Strasbourg.

The New Yorker

He showed that after failing one time, higher-scoring F schools posted greater gains than lower-scoring D schools.

The New York Times

Cone might as well try to forget the other details of his outing, because he was terrible, his control failing him time and again.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing periods of difficulty, consider using more common alternatives like "time of setbacks" or "period of decline" to ensure clarity and avoid potential misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "failing time" in formal technical reports or scientific papers where precise language is crucial. Opt for specific terms like "failure rate" or "mean time between failures" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

As a phrase, "failing time" functions as a descriptor of a period marked by lack of success or decline. While Ludwig indicates it is not a standard phrase, contexts provided suggest it describes a duration characterized by unsuccessful endeavors. Examples show use in various scenarios, from political struggles to personal experiences.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "failing time" isn't considered standard English, it describes a period marked by a lack of success or decline. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in contexts ranging from political analysis to personal narratives. However, because Ludwig AI indicates that it is not the most common or readily recognized phrase, consider using clearer alternatives like "period of decline" or "time of setbacks" to avoid ambiguity. The register is generally neutral, making it suitable for diverse contexts, though precision is crucial in technical or formal writing. Always prioritize clarity and consider your audience when choosing the most effective wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

period of decline

This alternative replaces "failing" with "decline" to emphasize a state of deterioration over a specific duration.

time of setbacks

This alternative focuses on the occurrence of obstacles and hindrances during a specific period.

era of failures

This alternative uses "era" to indicate a longer, more defined period characterized by multiple failures.

season of errors

This alternative employs "season" to denote a recurring or cyclical period marked by mistakes.

phase of collapse

This alternative highlights the process of something disintegrating or losing its structure over a period.

moment of weakness

This refers to a brief instance where failure occurs due to a lack of strength or resolve.

interval of deficiency

This alternative emphasizes a period marked by a lack of something necessary or essential.

duration of breakdown

This phrase highlights a period during which something ceases to function correctly.

span of deterioration

This alternative underscores the gradual worsening or decay of something over a defined period.

lapse in performance

This suggests a temporary decline in the quality or effectiveness of an action or process.

FAQs

What does "failing time" mean?

"Failing time" isn't a standard phrase, but it generally refers to a period or instance where something is not succeeding or is in decline. It might be clearer to use phrases like "period of decline" or "time of setbacks".

Is "failing time" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "failing time" is not a commonly used phrase. It's understandable, but alternatives like "period of failure" or "time of troubles" are more idiomatic.

What are some situations where I might use "failing time"?

You might use "failing time" when discussing a project's difficulties or a business's downturn. However, consider if more precise language, such as "decreasing performance" or "declining results", would be more appropriate.

How can I avoid ambiguity when using a phrase like "failing time"?

To avoid ambiguity, provide context and consider using more common alternatives. For example, instead of "the failing time of the business", you could say "the period of declining profits for the business" or "the business's time of hardship". Clearer phrasing ensures your message is understood.