failure to attend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to attend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is unable to be present at an event, meeting, or appointment. Example: "The committee will discuss the implications of your failure to attend the meeting last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Caregivers explained that the inability to read and comprehend correspondences written in Swedish led to delay or failure to attend important appointments resulting in non-attendance fine.

BMC Health Services Research

In a recent audit of the RCH Weight Management Service, non-attendance was 20% (cancellations 7%, failure to attend without prior notice 13%) over a 3 ½ year period.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Failure to attend daily prayers was punishable by public flogging.

Independent

Some fear that failure to attend could damage their job security and prospects.

The Guardian - Opinion

According to Hale, Seetec reported her to the DWP for failure to attend on five occasions.

The Guardian

"Failure to attend this hearing will result in Mr Fury's boxer's licence being suspended".

The Guardian - Sport

There are also penalties for failure to attend meetings aimed to get you back to work.

The Guardian

So, he said, the sponsor cannot be fined for her failure to attend meetings.

The New York Times

Failure to attend will be more than sufficient reason to proceed with your immediate arrest".

The Guardian - Music

Failure to attend a job centre interview is grounds for sanction.

The Guardian

Aged just 28, he was sacked by the Old Trafford club for excessive drinking and persistent failure to attend training.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failure to attend" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly states the event or obligation that was missed. Consider using synonyms like "non-attendance" for increased formality.

Common error

While "failure to attend" is generally acceptable, overuse in informal settings can sound stilted. Opt for more conversational alternatives like "didn't show up" or "missed" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to attend" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes the act of not being present at a scheduled event or obligation. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failure to attend" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe the act of not being present at a scheduled event. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While generally neutral to formal, it's important to consider the audience and use more conversational alternatives in informal settings. Related phrases include "non-attendance" and "absence", which can offer varying degrees of formality and specificity. Understanding the context and potential consequences is crucial for effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-attendance

A more formal term that directly indicates the act of not attending.

absence

A general term for not being present at a place or event.

missing

Implies a lack of presence; can be used to describe someone who did not attend.

not showing up

An informal way of saying someone did not attend.

skipping

Suggests intentionally not attending, often used in informal contexts.

defaulting

Emphasizes the breaking of an expectation or agreement to attend.

neglecting to attend

Highlights a lack of attention or diligence in attending.

omitting to attend

Similar to neglecting, but more formal.

non-appearance

Focuses on the lack of a physical presence.

staying away

Implies a deliberate decision to not be present.

FAQs

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

You can use "failure to attend" to describe someone's absence from a scheduled event or appointment. For example, "His failure to attend the meeting resulted in a fine".

What is a more formal alternative to "failure to attend"?

A more formal alternative is "non-attendance", which is often used in official documents and reports.

Is there a difference between "failure to attend" and "absence"?

"Absence" is a general term for not being present, while "failure to attend" specifically implies a missed obligation or scheduled event. "Absence" is a broader term.

What are the consequences of "failure to attend"?

The consequences of "failure to attend" depend on the context. They can range from fines and sanctions to missed opportunities and negative impacts on relationships or career prospects.