failure to agree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to agree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where there is a lack of consensus or agreement between parties. Example: "The failure to agree on the terms of the contract led to a delay in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Eventually, Truss attributed the U-turn to a failure to agree with the Liberal Democrats.

The Guardian

But there has been a failure to agree a similar understanding with Algeria.

The Guardian

The failure to agree on a deal leaves the threat of insolvency hanging over Holzmann.

The New York Times

They party just wants to embarrass Cameron about his failure to agree with everything Leveson said.

The Guardian - Opinion

The EU's failure to agree a migrant resettlement plan is unacceptable.

The Guardian - Opinion

The two sides have angrily blamed each other for the failure to agree on labor savings.

The New York Times

He struck a note of regret over the two groups' failure to agree.

The New York Times

They issued a statement regretting the failure to agree to a stronger document.

The New York Times

The failure to agree leaves the effort stalled, as it has been for months.

The New York Times

A failure to agree to increase the deficit could see Tria out of a job.

The Guardian - Business

Arriving in Abu Dhabi after the meeting, Kerry singled out Iran for the failure to agree.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failure to agree", ensure that the context clearly indicates what parties or entities failed to reach an agreement and on what specific matter. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "failure to agree" without specifying the subject of disagreement. For example, instead of writing 'There was a failure to agree', specify 'The committee's failure to agree on the budget...'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to agree" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of lacking consensus or a breakdown in negotiations. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failure to agree" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a lack of consensus or a breakdown in negotiations. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly found in news, business, and academic contexts. To ensure clarity, specify the subject of disagreement and avoid vagueness. While alternatives like "inability to reach consensus" or "lack of agreement" exist, "failure to agree" provides a specific and widely recognized way to express the absence of a mutual understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inability to reach consensus

Replaces "failure" with "inability" and "agree" with "reach consensus", emphasizing the lack of mutual understanding.

breakdown in negotiations

Focuses on the collapse of a negotiation process, highlighting the failed attempt to find common ground.

deadlock in discussions

Indicates a standstill in conversations, suggesting an inability to move forward due to opposing viewpoints.

impasse in talks

Similar to deadlock, but often used in more formal or diplomatic contexts, emphasizing the lack of progress.

lack of consensus

A more general term indicating the absence of agreement, without necessarily implying a process of negotiation.

disagreement

A simple and direct alternative, highlighting the difference in opinion or perspective.

failure to reach an accord

More formal, emphasizing the inability to achieve a formal agreement or settlement.

inability to find common ground

Focuses on the lack of shared interests or perspectives that would allow for agreement.

lack of unanimity

Highlights the absence of complete agreement among all parties involved.

failure to find a compromise

Emphasizes the inability of parties to adjust their positions to find a mutually acceptable solution.

FAQs

How can I use "failure to agree" in a sentence?

You can use "failure to agree" to describe situations where parties are unable to reach a consensus. For example: "The Senate's failure to agree on the bill led to a government shutdown" or "The failure to agree on terms resulted in the cancellation of the contract".

What are some alternatives to "failure to agree"?

Alternatives include "inability to reach consensus", "breakdown in negotiations", or "lack of agreement", depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "failure to agree" or "disagreement"?

"Failure to agree" is generally considered more formal than "disagreement". The former often implies a more significant or consequential lack of consensus, especially in official or professional contexts, while the latter is a simple description of difference in opinion.

What's the difference between "failure to agree" and "failure to comply"?

"Failure to agree" indicates a lack of consensus or mutual understanding, whereas "failure to comply" refers to a violation of a rule, law, or requirement. The former is about inability to reach an agreement, and the latter is about not adhering to an existing obligation.