failsafe

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "failsafe" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe something that is designed to prevent a system or machine from failing. For example, "This new computer model has a failsafe feature that will automatically shut down if the system overheats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It would then take an operator or technician to override that failsafe.

The Guardian

Both scenarios should trigger a failsafe that causes the entire ride to shut down, he said.

The Guardian

It's the brand that is many things to many people: preppy cool for some, black tie failsafe for others but at New York fashion week it was all kinds of everything as Ralph Lauren showed not one but two autumn/winter 2014 collections.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Suddenly that Peter Pan collar looked a lot less like a failsafe staple and a bit more of a risky overplay of the hand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Critics will argue that the voluntary regulation is one reason such companies are attracted to London over New York, and regulation is a tricky business it always looks more failsafe than it actually is.Fresnillo is not the only Latin American firm to be seduced.

The Economist

(Each method acts as a failsafe: QR codes are sometimes unreadable, while NFC support is missing from Apple's line of iPhones).

The Economist

The concrete sarcophagus capping the reactor has developed cracks over the past 25 years and is not considered failsafe.

The Economist

AS A failsafe business plan it could hardly be bettered.

The Economist

The Supplementary Financing Programme, under which Treasury issues excess debt and leaves the proceeds on deposit at the Fed, works but it is not failsafe because it's subject to the debt limit.7.

The Economist

Voters had tried that in 2008, after all, and swiftly regretted it.Even after the inconclusive election, however, there was one more failsafe intended to avert the activation of the sequester: the barminess of its design.

The Economist

Buying interiors gifts for other people's homes can be risky business, so we've searched the shops to find you some failsafe - and beautiful - options.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical systems, use "failsafe" to emphasize built-in safety measures that prevent catastrophic failures.

Common error

Avoid using "failsafe" to describe solutions that merely reduce risk. "Failsafe" implies a guaranteed prevention of failure, not just a mitigation of potential problems.

Linguistic Context

The term "failsafe" primarily functions as an adjective describing a feature or mechanism designed to prevent failure or ensure safety. Ludwig highlights its role in various contexts, confirming its grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "failsafe" is commonly used as an adjective to describe mechanisms or systems designed to prevent failure and ensure safety. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. To make sure your writing is precise, remember that "failsafe" suggests a guaranteed prevention of failure, not merely a reduction of risk. Related terms like "backup system", "contingency plan", and "safety net" offer similar but nuanced meanings. The frequent usage and high source quality indicate that "failsafe" is a reliable and effective term in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

safety mechanism

Highlights the protective element inherent in the design or system.

fail-proof method

Stresses the absence of any possibility of failure.

fallback option

Concentrates on having an alternative choice if the primary one fails.

safety net

Uses a metaphorical term that focuses on protection from negative outcomes.

foolproof solution

Indicates a simple and reliable solution, regardless of user skill or intelligence.

backup system

Focuses on the presence of an alternative system without explicitly highlighting its security.

contingency plan

Emphasizes the planning aspect of preparing for potential problems.

redundancy measure

Highlights the duplication of critical components to increase reliability.

precautionary measure

Focuses on proactive steps taken to avoid risks or dangers.

insurance policy

A metaphor referring to protective measures against risks and failures.

FAQs

How can I use "failsafe" in a sentence?

You can use "failsafe" to describe a mechanism or system designed to prevent failure, such as: "The ride should trigger a "failsafe" that causes the entire ride to shut down."

What are some alternatives to the word "failsafe"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives such as "backup system", "contingency plan", or "safety net".

Is it correct to say something is "failsafe"?

Yes, describing something as "failsafe" means it's designed to revert to a safe condition in case of failure or malfunction, aiming to prevent harm or damage.

What's the difference between "failsafe" and "fail-proof"?

"Failsafe" refers to a mechanism that ensures safety if something goes wrong, while "fail-proof" suggests something is impossible to fail in the first place. "Failsafe" acknowledges potential failures, while "fail-proof" denies them.