fails to deliver

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails to deliver" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something does not meet expectations or provide the promised results. Example: "The new software update fails to deliver the improvements that were promised during the launch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ms Strouse fails to deliver it.

The Economist

Murchison never fails to deliver.

The Guardian - Travel

Usually, however, it fails to deliver.

Columbia University

Alas, he fails to deliver on this promise.

The Washington Post

Right now, the proposal fails to deliver that".

The New York Times

Dean fails to deliver the argument implied in the title.

The New York Times - Books

Not that he fails to deliver nifty one-liners.

The Guardian

It fails to deliver fairness between either people or place.

The Guardian

But it fails to deliver on other counts.

The New York Times - Books

Despite the outstanding acting, "Voice" ultimately fails to deliver.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

COMMUNISM failed to deliver a workers' paradise.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fails to deliver", ensure the context clearly establishes the expectation that was not met. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "fails to deliver" without specifying what was expected. Vague statements weaken your argument. Instead of saying "The project failed to deliver", specify "The project failed to deliver the promised cost savings".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to deliver" functions as a verb phrase expressing a lack of expected performance or outcome. It typically connects a subject (e.g., a product, strategy, or person) with a specific failure to achieve a promised or anticipated result. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fails to deliver" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something has not met expectations or achieved its intended outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is widespread and accepted in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, it effectively conveys disappointment or criticism regarding unmet goals. When employing this phrase, be specific about the expectation that was not met to enhance clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "falls short", "doesn't measure up", and "proves inadequate" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falls short

This alternative is a more general expression indicating a failure to meet a certain standard or expectation.

misses the mark

This alternative suggests a failure to achieve the intended goal or target.

doesn't measure up

This alternative implies a comparison against a benchmark and a failure to reach that level.

falls flat

This alternative describes something that is unsuccessful or disappointing, often in the context of performance or reception.

proves inadequate

This alternative highlights the insufficiency of something to fulfill a specific need or purpose.

comes up wanting

This alternative suggests a deficiency or lack in a particular area.

Proves to be a disappointment

This alternative emphatizes the feeling of dissapointment derived from the fact that the expectations were not reached.

is found wanting

Similar to "comes up wanting", this phrase implies a judgment of inadequacy.

does not suffice

This alternative is a more formal way of expressing that something is not enough or adequate.

is unavailing

This alternative indicates that something is ineffective or does not produce the desired result.

FAQs

How can I use "fails to deliver" in a sentence?

You can use "fails to deliver" to describe situations where something doesn't meet expectations or promised results. For example: "The new marketing campaign "fails to deliver" the anticipated increase in sales."

What are some alternatives to "fails to deliver"?

Alternatives include "falls short", "doesn't measure up", or "proves inadequate", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "fails to deliver" or "does not deliver"?

"Fails to deliver" implies an expectation or promise that was unmet, while "does not deliver" is a more neutral statement of non-performance. The better choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the unmet expectation.

What's the difference between "fails to deliver" and "fails to impress"?

"Fails to deliver" indicates a failure to achieve a specific outcome or meet a defined standard. "Fails to impress", on the other hand, suggests a lack of impact or positive reception, focusing more on subjective perception than objective results.