fails to execute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails to execute" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something does not perform as intended or does not carry out a command or function. Example: "The program fails to execute when the input parameters are incorrect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When he drops the ball, he tends to do it because he fails to execute this technique consistently, which is easily correctable.

The New York Times

"I think the only thing which can go wrong is if the company fails to execute, and so far it has done quite well," says Veerappan.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

At 1 50 p.m., Nasdaq executives realized they had failed to execute tens of thousands of orders that had been sent in.

The New York Times

He never failed to execute it properly.

The New York Times - Sports

But some investors have failed to execute a takeover.

The New York Times

Many companies also have failed to execute online storefronts successfully.

The New York Times

"We completely failed to execute," Mr. Doerr said.

The New York Times

The simple fact is that the administration has failed to execute the law.

The New York Times

Failing to execute a pose meant nothing more than that you might succeed next time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Or was it Emanuel who failed to execute the president's strategy?

The New York Times

Just as often, though, the Russians failed to execute, either from over-cleverness or from sloppiness.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fails to execute", ensure the context clearly defines what 'execution' entails. Specificity strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "fails to execute" in overly general scenarios. Instead, clarify what specific actions or plans were not properly executed for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to execute" primarily functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable form. It describes the action of not successfully carrying out a plan, command, or function. The subject is usually an entity (person, company, system) that was supposed to perform the execution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fails to execute" is a grammatically sound verb phrase that means something does not perform as intended, or does not successfully carry out a command, plan, or function. Ludwig confirms this. It's frequently used in news and media, as well as in formal business contexts. The phrase is quite common, and its proper usage involves clearly defining the specific actions that were not executed for enhanced clarity. Alternative phrases include "fails to implement", "fails to perform", and "fails to deliver".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fails to implement

Focuses specifically on the lack of implementation of a plan or strategy.

fails to perform

Highlights the lack of expected performance or action.

fails to deliver

Emphasizes the lack of delivering promised results or outcomes.

falls short

Indicates a deficiency in meeting a required standard or expectation.

is unable to execute

Highlights the inability to carry out a specific task or plan.

cannot achieve

Focuses on the failure to reach a specific goal or objective.

is unsuccessful in executing

Highlights the lack of success in the act of execution.

doesn't accomplish

Simple, direct way of saying something wasn't completed successfully.

proves incapable of executing

Emphasizes a demonstrated lack of capability in carrying out execution.

muffs it

Informal way to describe failing to execute.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "fails to execute"?

When something "fails to execute", it means it does not perform as intended, or it does not successfully carry out a command, plan, or function. It signifies a breakdown in the process of implementation.

What can I say instead of "fails to execute"?

You can use alternatives like "fails to implement", "fails to perform", or "fails to deliver" depending on the context.

How is "fails to execute" different from "fails to plan"?

"Fails to plan" means there was no proper strategy created beforehand. "Fails to execute" implies a plan existed, but there was a breakdown in its implementation.

Is "failure to execute" the same as "fails to execute"?

While related, "failure to execute" is a noun phrase referring to the event or instance of not executing properly. "Fails to execute" is a verb phrase describing the action of not carrying out something successfully.