failure to communicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to communicate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where there is a lack of effective communication, often highlighting misunderstandings or breakdowns in dialogue. Example: "The project's delays were largely due to a failure to communicate between the teams involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A concerning illustration of this was the failure to communicate the community's overwhelming endorsement of East West Link.

Vice

The communications ministry has also been criticized for its failure to communicate, and didn't immediately prove critics wrong this week.

The New York Times

Was it a failure to communicate?

The New York Times

"What we have here is a failure to communicate".

The New Yorker

A look from Mr. Diddy suggested a failure to communicate.

The New York Times

But I think we're still having a failure to communicate.

The New York Times

What we still have is a failure to communicate.

The New York Times

The crisis may have its roots in a failure to communicate.

The Guardian - Opinion

One report showed how the companies' failure to communicate traumatises asylum seekers.

The Guardian

Above all, there was widespread failure to communicate with affected populations about their needs.

The Guardian

But failure to communicate in this play has nothing to do with lack of hearing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failure to communicate", clarify the specific context of the communication breakdown. Be precise about who failed to communicate with whom and what the consequences were.

Common error

Avoid using "failure to communicate" as a vague or generic explanation. Always provide specific details about the nature of the communication breakdown and its impact. For example, instead of saying "The project failed due to a failure to communicate", specify "The project failed because the design team did not effectively communicate the updated specifications to the manufacturing team".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to communicate" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a situation where communication has been ineffective or has broken down completely. Ludwig confirms this usage, providing numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failure to communicate" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe breakdowns in communication across various contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s most frequently used in news and media and scientific settings, implying a neutral to formal register. While interchangeable with phrases like "breakdown in communication" and "lack of communication", it's crucial to use it with specific context to avoid vagueness. Avoiding overuse and ensuring clarity are key to effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

breakdown in communication

Replaces "failure" with "breakdown", emphasizing the disruptive aspect of the communication problem.

lack of communication

Uses "lack" to highlight the absence of proper communication.

communication breakdown

A simple inversion of words making it sound slightly more active.

communication failure

Simple inversion but emphasizing the 'communication' and less the 'failure'.

inability to communicate

Emphasizes the lack of ability or capacity to communicate effectively.

communication impasse

Implies a standstill or deadlock in communication, suggesting a more prolonged issue.

miscommunication

Highlights that the wrong information was delivered.

communications breakdown

Plural form of 'communication' suggesting a wider problem.

disconnect in communication

Uses "disconnect" to highlight the gap or separation in the communication process.

deficiency in communication

Emphasizes the inadequacy or incompleteness of the communication process.

FAQs

What does "failure to communicate" mean?

The phrase "failure to communicate" describes a situation where there is a breakdown in the exchange of information, ideas, or feelings, leading to misunderstandings or a lack of understanding.

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

You can use "failure to communicate" to describe a wide range of situations. For example: "The project's delays were largely due to a "failure to communicate" between the teams involved".

What can I say instead of "failure to communicate"?

You can use alternatives like "breakdown in communication", "lack of communication", or "communication breakdown" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "failure to communicate" and "miscommunication"?

"Failure to communicate" implies a complete breakdown or absence of communication, while "miscommunication" suggests that communication occurred but was unclear, inaccurate, or misunderstood.