fails the test

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails the test" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when evaluating whether something meets a certain standard or criteria. Example: "The new software update fails the test of user-friendliness, as many users reported difficulties navigating the interface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The man fails the test and is thrown out.

The New Yorker

The questions are confusing, seemingly aimed at confounding her, and she fails the test.

The New York Times - Books

If a bank fails the test, its regulators will demand that it raise additional capital.

The New York Times

The headlines read: "Talks end in failure"; "Deadlock"; "Copenhagen fails the test".

The Guardian - Opinion

To Mr. Pagones, still waiting what is due him, Mr. Sharpton fails the test of a civil rights leader.

The New York Times

Roughly one in three Californians fails the test, perhaps because they try a dangerous maneuver, or go too slow or too fast.

The New York Times

If, by definition, the trailer for a so-called masterpiece can never be greater than the film itself, then Riefenstahl's legacy fails the test.

The New Yorker

But many a commercial cupcake fails the test, as I discovered in a tasting blitz of vanilla and chocolate cupcakes from eight bakeries.

The New York Times - Food

Mr. Lawrence suggests since Mr. Brown did not like Mr. Braff's work as the writer and director of the film "Garden State," reviewing his play fails the test.

The New York Times

All the administration has to do is take its own planned "stress test" for major banks seriously, and not hide the results when a bank fails the test, making a takeover necessary.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

If you put him up to those two standards tonight, he fails the test miserably".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fails the test", ensure the context clearly defines what "test" refers to, providing specific criteria or standards for evaluation.

Common error

Avoid using "fails the test" without explicitly stating or implying the criteria being assessed. Always provide context to ensure the reader understands what the subject is failing to achieve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails the test" functions as a predicate, indicating that a subject does not meet certain specified criteria. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to evaluate whether something meets a defined standard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fails the test" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that something does not meet a specific set of criteria or standards. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. To ensure clarity in writing, it's essential to define explicitly what "test" refers to in the given context. Alternatives such as "does not pass the test" or "falls short of expectations" can be used to convey a similar meaning, depending on the desired level of formality. Therefore, using "fails the test" effectively involves providing clear context and understanding its versatile application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not pass the test

Replaces "fails" with its direct antonym, maintaining the same structure.

does not meet the criteria

Substitutes "test" with "criteria", focusing on the standards not being fulfilled.

falls short of expectations

Indicates a failure to achieve the anticipated outcome or standard.

does not measure up

Implies a deficiency in quality or performance compared to a required level.

is found wanting

A more formal way of saying something lacks the necessary qualities or attributes.

proves inadequate

Highlights the insufficiency of something for a specific purpose.

is deemed unacceptable

Focuses on the rejection of something due to not meeting required standards.

is not up to par

Suggests the item or performance did not meet the expected level of quality.

is deficient

Emphasizes a lack or shortage in essential qualities.

is lacking

Simply indicates the absence of something necessary or desired.

FAQs

How can I use "fails the test" in a sentence?

You can use "fails the test" to indicate that something does not meet a specific standard or requirement. For example, "The new product "fails the test" of durability."

What's a more formal alternative to "fails the test"?

A more formal alternative would be "does not meet the criteria" or "is deemed unacceptable". These phrases are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What does it mean when something "fails the test"?

When something ""fails the test"", it means it has been evaluated against a set of standards and has not met those standards successfully.

Which is correct, "fails the test" or "fail the test"?

"Fails the test" is used when referring to a singular subject, while "fail the test" is used for plural subjects or when used in the infinitive form. For example, "The product fails the test" versus "The products fail the test".