failure of judgement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure of judgement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone makes a poor decision or lacks sound reasoning. Example: "The company's downfall was largely attributed to a failure of judgement by its leadership during the crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This was a failure of judgement on his part for which he has taken the ultimate responsibility in resigning office.

The Guardian

It paid insufficient attention to the underlying values of the properties backing these loans – a straightforward failure of judgement and of management.

The Guardian - Business

This failure of judgement is extraordinary given the widespread concerns both about the death, and criticisms of their investigation following the death of Jean Charles de Menezes.

The Guardian - Opinion

This isn't just a safety issue, like going on the road with a sub-par lidar system or without checking the headlights — it's a failure of judgement by Uber, and one that cost a person's life.

TechCrunch

In Eichmann, however, she suggested, further, that flawed judgment was, in fact, a trait that Eichmann shared with millions of Germans; failure of judgement had a been a mass phenomenon during the Third Reich.

Asian Journal of German and European Studies

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The BBC said that the incident was a "regrettable failure of editorial judgement and compliance processes".

The Guardian

Following litigation and public criticism, the Law Society commissioned an internal report that found "administrative failures, wrong decisions, mistakes, errors of judgement, failures in communication and insensitivity".

Wikipedia

The report found "administrative failures, wrong decisions, mistakes, errors of judgement, failures in communication and insensitivity... the whole affair was a disgrace to the Society".

Wikipedia

"Our regulatory team have investigated this and whilst Mr Mourinho has breached no rules it was clearly a failure of his personal judgement and public behaviour.

Independent

But Dyke said - in a letter to FA council members, a copy of which has been obtained by Press Association Sport - that Mourinho committed "a failure of his personal judgement and public behaviour".

Independent

Dyke had himself told the FA council in a letter that he had supported previous strong statements by Rabbatts on the Carneiro case, and that he believed Mourinho committed "a failure of his personal judgement and public behaviour".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms such as "lapse in judgment" or "poor decision" for clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "failure of judgement" in everyday situations where a simpler term like "mistake" or "oversight" would suffice. The phrase carries a weight that is more appropriate for serious errors in professional or ethical contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure of judgement" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes an instance where someone's decision-making process is flawed or inadequate, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failure of judgement" is a noun phrase used to describe a flawed decision-making process resulting in an undesirable outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and indicates that it is commonly employed in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. While it is a valid and useful phrase, it's important to consider synonyms like "lapse in judgment" or "poor decision" to ensure the phrase aligns with the specific situation. It is best used in formal or neutral contexts to convey disapproval of a decision, emphasizing the lack of wisdom or careful consideration behind it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lapse in judgment

Replaces "failure" with "lapse", emphasizing a temporary error.

error in decision-making

Focuses specifically on mistakes during the decision-making process.

poor decision

Simplifies the phrase to highlight the negative outcome of the decision.

lack of foresight

Highlights the absence of planning and anticipation in the decision.

miscalculation

Emphasizes an error in assessing the situation.

error of assessment

Focuses on incorrect evaluation or appraisal of a situation.

flawed reasoning

Highlights the defects in the logical process leading to the decision.

injudicious choice

Emphasizes the lack of wisdom or care in the selection.

imprudence

A more formal term indicating a lack of caution or wisdom.

short-sightedness

Highlights the inability to consider long-term consequences.

FAQs

What does "failure of judgement" mean?

The phrase "failure of judgement" refers to a situation where someone makes a poor or unwise decision, indicating a lack of sound reasoning or careful consideration. It often implies a serious error, particularly in ethical or professional contexts.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "failure of judgement"?

Use "failure of judgement" when describing significant errors in decision-making, especially in professional, ethical, or leadership contexts. It's suitable when a decision not only proves incorrect but also demonstrates a lack of prudence or foresight.

What are some alternatives to "failure of judgement"?

Alternatives include "lapse in judgment", "poor decision", "error in decision making", or "lack of foresight". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can "failure of judgement" be avoided?

To avoid a "failure of judgement", prioritize thorough analysis, seek diverse perspectives, and carefully consider potential consequences before making a decision. Ethical guidelines and professional standards should also inform the decision-making process.