failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "failure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an unsuccessful event or experience, or to someone who has not achieved something. For example, "The project ended in failure due to a lack of resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(So-called femidoms, inserted by the woman, have been a dismal failure).

The Economist

Leigh Daynes, executive director of Doctors of the World UK, said: "The failure to ensure equitable access to healthcare across Europe is this century's hidden public health time bomb.

The Guardian

"It was a judgment on our failure to move out of the comfort zone of critiquing the Tories and instead set out a positive alternative.

The Guardian

"It has been a complete failure.

The Guardian

Obama was pointing to the bipartisan effort to get the program launched in Massachusetts to encourage his opponents to stop rooting for his law's failure.

The Guardian

The failure of The Hurricane to win a best picture nomination was a surprise.

The Guardian - Film

When the Labour leader said no, a lowing sound could be heard, the noise of an audience uniting in sceptical rejection of the man before them – a reminder that one of Miliband's greatest errors since 2010 was his failure to debunk the narrative that blames Labour profligacy for the country's fiscal troubles.

The Guardian

That doesn't excuse things like the alleged failure to disclose, in the case of Abacus, important facts like John Paulson's involvement in picking the securities in the C.D.O.

The Economist

"The irony is," says Rachel, "that the battle wasn't at all glorious: it was a failure.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But Smith's failure to make a major impact in Europe - the finest moment probably being the home-and-away defeat of Leeds United in 1992, later missing out on a Champions League final place by one point - led to the clamour for something new.

The Guardian - Sport

Lady Warsi, who resigned from the government in August over Gaza, delivered a blistering critique last month of the approach towards Britain's Muslims, warning that failure to engage properly with communities across the UK has created a climate of suspicion and undermined the fight against extremism.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about setbacks, using "failure" precisely can add clarity. Consider whether "lack of progress", "setback", or other terms might be more appropriate to convey specific nuances of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "failure" repeatedly in a short span. Vary your vocabulary by incorporating synonyms like "setback", "defeat", or "lack of success" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The word "failure" primarily functions as a noun, representing the state or condition of not meeting a desirable or intended objective. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it can describe a specific instance or a general state of being unsuccessful, as shown by all the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Sport

14%

Opinion

14%

Less common in

Lifestyle

2%

Business

2%

Tech

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failure" functions as a noun signifying the state of not achieving a desired outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. As shown by the examples, it's frequently used in news and media, sports reporting, and opinion pieces. While "failure" is a common and accepted term, being mindful of its potentially negative connotation and considering synonyms like "lack of success" or "setback" can improve writing precision and tone. Varying the vocabulary can significantly improve style and maintain reader engagement. The word's frequency and authoritative sources attest to its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of success

Focuses on the absence of a positive outcome, a more neutral phrasing.

unsuccessful attempt

Highlights the effort made, emphasizing that it didn't achieve the desired result.

defeat

Implies an opposition or struggle that was lost.

debacle

Suggests a complete and often embarrassing failure.

fiasco

Similar to "debacle", but often with a connotation of absurdity or mismanagement.

breakdown

Implies a system or process ceasing to function correctly.

collapse

Suggests a sudden and complete loss of structure or function.

non-performance

A more formal term indicating a lack of fulfillment of obligations or expectations.

shortcoming

Highlights a deficiency or weakness that contributes to the lack of success.

inadequacy

Emphasizes the insufficient nature of something, leading to a negative outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "failure" in a sentence?

You can use "failure" in a sentence to describe the state of not meeting a desired objective, such as "The project's "failure" was due to insufficient funding".

What are some synonyms for "failure"?

Some synonyms for "failure" include "lack of success", "defeat", "setback", and "fiasco", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "failure" or "lack of success"?

Both "failure" and "lack of success" are valid, but "lack of success" might be perceived as less harsh or judgmental. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "failure" and "mistake"?

"Mistake" typically refers to an error in judgment or action, while "failure" implies a lack of overall success in achieving a goal. A mistake can contribute to a failure, but a failure can also occur for other reasons.