failure to comply

USAGE SUMMARY

"failure to comply" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to someone's refusal or incapability to adhere to a set of instructions, regulations, or rules. Example: "The company was fined for failure to comply with safety regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Failure to comply with certification.

Cornell University

Failure to comply is an offence".

The Guardian - Tech

Failure to comply is a misdemeanor.

The New York Times

Failure to comply can bring trouble.

The New York Times - Travel

§ 661.17 Failure to comply with certification.

Cornell University

§ 33.73 Notification of failure to comply.

Cornell University

Failure to comply could result in criminal charges.

The Guardian

When Simmons refused, Wilson arrested him for failure to comply.

The New Yorker

Failure to comply with these terms will result in disqualification.

The Guardian - Travel

Failure to comply may result in arrest and prosecution.

The Guardian - Tech

Failure to comply would result in a $50,000 fine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failure to comply", clearly state the specific rule, regulation, or instruction that was not followed to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "failure to comply" without specifying what the subject failed to comply with. Be specific to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The project suffered due to failure to comply", specify "The project suffered due to failure to comply with the outlined budget restrictions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to comply" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates a lack of adherence to a specific set of rules, regulations, or instructions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

32%

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failure to comply" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that describes a situation where there is a lack of adherence to rules, regulations, or instructions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used in academic, news, and business contexts. The phrase carries a neutral to professional tone and is used to report on breaches or violations. To enhance clarity, it is best practice to specify what the subject failed to comply with. Alternatives such as "non-compliance", "breach of regulations", and "violation of rules" offer similar meanings, though with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-compliance

This is a noun that directly indicates a state of not complying.

breach of regulations

Specifies that the failure is related to breaking a set of established regulations.

violation of rules

Similar to breach, but focuses on the breaking of specific rules.

disregard for requirements

Highlights a lack of attention or respect for mandatory requirements.

neglect of obligations

Emphasizes the lack of fulfillment of a duty or responsibility.

infringement of policy

Focuses on the act of violating a specific policy.

dereliction of duty

Suggests a more severe failure to perform one's responsibilities.

omission to obey

Highlights the act of not following instructions or commands.

lapse in adherence

Indicates a temporary failure to maintain compliance.

default on commitments

Focuses on failing to meet agreed-upon commitments or promises.

FAQs

What are the consequences of a "failure to comply"?

The consequences of a "failure to comply" vary depending on the context, but they can include fines, penalties, termination of employment, or even criminal charges. It's important to understand the specific consequences related to the particular rules or regulations in question.

How can I avoid a "failure to comply"?

To avoid a "failure to comply", ensure you have a clear understanding of the rules, regulations, or instructions you are expected to follow. Seek clarification if needed, and maintain thorough documentation of your actions.

What is the difference between "non-compliance" and "failure to comply"?

"Non-compliance" is a noun that describes the state of not complying, while "failure to comply" describes the act or instance of not meeting the requirements. They can often be used interchangeably, but "failure to comply" may emphasize the specific event or action.

Can you use "failure to comply" in formal writing?

Yes, "failure to comply" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe a situation where someone has not followed the rules or regulations.