fails to comply with

USAGE SUMMARY

"fails to comply with" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to discuss a person or thing's failure to follow rules, regulations, guidelines, or instructions. Example: The company's CEO was fined for failing to comply with environmental regulations. Other examples: - The student was expelled for failing to comply with the school's code of conduct. - The restaurant was shut down for multiple health code violations, including failing to comply with proper food handling procedures. - The organization received a warning from the government for failing to comply with safety standards. - The defendant was found guilty for failing to comply with court orders. - The construction project was delayed due to the contractor failing to comply with building codes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It did not authorize a search that fails to comply with knock-and-announce requirements.

Cornell University

There must be real consequences for Israel if it fails to comply with U.S. requests and international law.

The New York Times

If she fails to comply with the order during the trial, she could be jailed for contempt of court.

The New York Times

American officials have vowed to act unilaterally if Pakistan fails to comply with their demands over the Haqqanis.

The Guardian

The short-term sanctions would be reversed if Iran fails to comply with the agreement, diplomats said.

The Washington Post

If he fails to comply with these and other demands, NATO has said, it will begin military action.

The New York Times

If Rodriguez violates that order, or fails to comply with the overall plea deal, he could face 120 days in jail.

The New York Times - Sports

America would agree to take part in a Security Council debate if Iraq fails to comply with UN demands for the elimination of its weapons of mass destruction.

The Economist

Gavin Francis claims that "the private [healthcare] sector fails to comply with the highest professional standards of evidence-based practice" (Need, not privilege, Review, 2 October).

The Guardian

A11 Prime Minister Tony Blair warned British troops to prepare for action if Saddam Hussein fails to comply with weapons inspections.

The New York Times

The letter of administrative reprimand that Colonel Jordan will now receive is a document used by military commanders to correct conduct that fails to comply with established standards.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fails to comply with", ensure the specific rule, regulation, or guideline being violated is clearly identified to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "fails to comply with" without specifying what the subject is failing to comply with. Vague statements lack impact. Instead of saying 'the company fails to comply', specify 'the company fails to comply with environmental regulations'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to comply with" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of adherence to a specific rule, law, or standard. As Ludwig indicates, it's a common way to express non-compliance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

31%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fails to comply with" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that indicates a lack of adherence to a rule, law, or standard. As Ludwig shows, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in contexts ranging from news and media to academia and science. While widely accepted, clarity is key: always specify what is not being complied with to avoid vagueness. Considering semantically similar alternatives, such as "does not adhere to" or "is in violation of", can enhance your writing's precision and impact. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is considered neutral and versatile across different types of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not adhere to

Emphasizes a lack of following or sticking to rules or guidelines.

is in violation of

Highlights a breach or infringement of laws or regulations.

does not conform to

Focuses on a lack of agreement or alignment with established standards.

is not in accordance with

Similar to 'does not conform', but slightly more formal.

disregards

Highlights a deliberate act of ignoring or neglecting rules.

neglects to follow

Emphasizes a failure or omission in adhering to requirements.

flouts

Implies an open and contemptuous disregard for rules or laws.

infringes upon

Indicates a violation or encroachment of rights or regulations.

is remiss in

Suggests negligence or carelessness in fulfilling obligations.

bypasses

Indicates avoiding or circumventing regulations.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "fails to comply with"?

You can use alternatives such as "does not adhere to", "is in violation of", or "does not conform to" depending on the specific context.

What are the legal implications of failing to comply with a regulation?

Failing to comply with a regulation can result in various penalties, including fines, sanctions, legal action, and even imprisonment, depending on the severity and jurisdiction.

Is "fails to comply with" formal or informal language?

"Fails to comply with" is generally considered neutral and can be used in formal writing. More informal alternatives could include phrases like "doesn't follow".

What's the difference between "fails to comply with" and "refuses to comply with"?

"Fails to comply with" indicates a general lack of compliance, which may be unintentional, while "refuses to comply with" implies a deliberate and intentional decision not to follow a rule or instruction.