failure to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone has not responded to a question or request, often implying a lack of compliance or obligation. Example: "The committee will review the application, but a failure to answer the required questions may result in disqualification."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Default upon failure to answer.

Cornell University

§ 31.10 Default upon failure to answer.

Cornell University

49 CFR § 31.10 - Default upon failure to answer.

Cornell University

The practice has been as follows: The committee reports the failure to answer to the House.

Cornell University

The book's greatest defect is its failure to answer the question posed by the title.

The New York Times - Books

Key article: Ed Miliband attacks 'dodgy' PM for failure to answer HSBC tax questions.

The Guardian

That report focused on the Railway Ministry's failure to answer a series of questions about the crash.

The New York Times

Laugh, if you want, at Diane Abbott's failure to answer the question: how much would 10,000 extra police cost?

The Guardian - Opinion

Those stopped have no right to maintain their silence, and failure to answer questions can be a criminal offence.

The Guardian

(j) The authority head shall decide expeditiously whether extraordinary circumstances excuse the defendant's failure to answer on time based solely on the record before the ALJ.

Cornell University

Where the accused is a body corporate, an attachment for the sequestration of its property may be issued upon like refusal or failure to answer.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "failure to answer" in formal writing, ensure you clearly state who failed to answer and what the consequences of that failure are.

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear whether the "failure to answer" was intentional (a refusal) or unintentional (an oversight or inability). If unclear, specify the reason for the non-response to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to answer" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a state or instance of not providing a response. As shown by Ludwig, it's used to denote the absence of an answer in various scenarios, from legal contexts to personal interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

26%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failure to answer" is a versatile expression used to describe the absence of a response in a variety of contexts. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news, academic and scientific writing. The phrase often carries a negative connotation, implying negligence or deliberate avoidance. When using "failure to answer", clarity is key; ensure the context makes it clear whether the lack of response was intentional or unintentional. While alternatives such as "non-response" or "lack of reply" exist, "failure to answer" remains a widely understood and accepted way to express this concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failure to reply

This is a direct synonym, simply replacing "answer" with "reply".

non-response

This alternative is a more concise, formal term indicating a lack of response.

lack of response

This alternative is a more straightforward way to express the absence of a reply.

lack of reply

A simpler, more direct way to state that there was no reply.

refusal to respond

This alternative emphasizes a deliberate unwillingness to answer.

inability to reply

This alternative suggests that answering was not possible, rather than intentional.

omission of a response

This alternative highlights that a response was left out or not included.

neglecting to answer

This suggests a carelessness or oversight in not providing an answer.

defaulting on a response

This alternative implies a previous obligation or expectation to answer.

neglect to respond

This alternative implies that a response was not provided due to neglect.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "failure to answer"?

You can use alternatives like "non-response", "lack of response", or "refusal to respond" depending on the context.

Is "failure to answer" formal or informal?

The phrase "failure to answer" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but alternatives like "non-response" may be preferred in more formal settings.

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

You can use "failure to answer" to describe a situation where someone did not provide a response. For example: "His failure to answer the question raised suspicions."

What is the difference between "failure to answer" and "refusal to answer"?

"Failure to answer" is a general term indicating a lack of response, while "refusal to answer" specifically implies a deliberate choice not to respond.