fails to meet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails to meet" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something does not satisfy a requirement or standard. Example: "The project fails to meet the necessary safety regulations, which could lead to serious consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Britain fails to meet these standards.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Economy: Increased Tonnage Growth fails to meet expectations.

The New York Times

Pennsylvania routinely fails to meet constitutional standards in capital cases.

The New York Times

If either side fails to meet its obligations, the clearinghouse steps in.

The New York Times

And what exists often fails to meet the discriminating standards of wealthy sophisticates.

The New York Times

One-quarter of these dispense water that fails to meet all of the E.P.A's health requirements.

The New York Times

Indeed, the world is not enough; it continuously fails to meet her standards.

The New Yorker

Most important of all, it fails to meet basic standards of humanity.

The Economist

The House-passed budget resolution fails to meet these moral criteria.

The New York Times

Despite the major dent, the progress fails to meet a W.H.O.

The New York Times

If one group fails to meet any of the criteria, the whole school is downgraded.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer using "fails to meet" when a requirement is formalized.

Common error

Avoid using "fails to meet" in very casual or informal settings. Simpler phrases like "doesn't work" or "isn't good enough" may be more appropriate for everyday conversation or informal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to meet" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a subject does not satisfy a specified requirement, standard, or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. For example, "Britain fails to meet these standards."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fails to meet" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something does not satisfy a specific requirement, standard, or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. It is frequently found in news articles, scientific publications, and formal business documents. When employing "fails to meet", clarity is key; ensure you explicitly state what criteria are not being satisfied. While useful in formal settings, avoid overuse in casual conversation where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. Related phrases include "does not satisfy" and "falls short of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not satisfy

This alternative directly indicates a lack of fulfillment regarding a specific requirement or need.

falls short of

This suggests a failure to reach a particular standard or expectation, implying a measurable gap.

does not fulfill

Similar to "does not satisfy", it emphasizes the lack of completion or accomplishment.

proves inadequate for

Highlights the insufficiency or unsuitability for a specific purpose or demand.

is insufficient for

Focuses on the lack of necessary quantity or quality to achieve a desired outcome.

is deficient in

Emphasizes a lack of essential qualities or components.

is lacking in

Similar to "is deficient in", indicating an absence of something necessary.

does not measure up to

Highlights a failure to reach a specific standard or expectation, often in a comparative sense.

is unable to achieve

Focuses on the inability to reach a certain goal or objective.

cannot reach

Directly indicates the impossibility of attaining a specific target or level.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "fails to meet" a standard?

When something "fails to meet" a standard, it means it does not reach the required level or quality. It indicates a deficiency or inability to satisfy specified criteria.

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

You can use "fails to meet" to describe a situation where something does not fulfill expectations or requirements. For example: "The product "does not satisfy" the safety standards" or "The project "falls short of" the deadline".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "fails to meet"?

Alternatives include "does not satisfy", "falls short of", "does not fulfill", and "is insufficient for". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "fails to meet" formal or informal?

"Fails to meet" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase. It's suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts, but might sound overly formal in casual conversation.