failure to conform

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to conform" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something does not meet established standards or expectations. Example: "The company faced penalties due to its failure to conform to safety regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

His client's guilty plea, he said, "shows his failure to conform with those regulations".

The New York Times

Over time, being sanctioned for failure to conform can lead to resentment.

Harvard Business Review

The rapture's failure to conform to biblical prophecy has driven some people plumb over the edge.

The New York Times - Books

Jerry Spinelli's novel Loser is up-front about Zinkoff's failure to conform to the behaviours of all those around him.

The Guardian

But Leibowitz seems to scold the poet for his failure to conform to bourgeois standards of morality.

The New York Times - Books

Failure to conform to the arch ("bird-beaking") can lead to endoleak and graft collapse after thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

Journal of Vascular Surgery

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Failures to conform to these reference points trigger pre-committed recovery behavior.

Computer Standards & Interfaces

According to Cederström, the failure not to conform has become a stigma.

The Guardian

Today, more often than not, he's considered a troublemaker due to his failure (or inability?) to conform to the expectations of the modern educational system.

The Washington Post

Unsurprisingly, given the recent failure of Asia to conform with economic expectations, next week's meeting will instead be devoted to "managing volatility".Among economists, the past six months have been unsettling.

The Economist

Yet none of the peak oil advocates seem to notice either the counter-arguments or the failure of reality to conform to their expectations.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failure to conform", ensure the context clearly identifies the specific norm, rule, or expectation that was not met. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "failure to conform" without specifying what the subject failed to conform to. Vague usage weakens the statement and can confuse the reader. Always clarify the standard or expectation involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to conform" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a lack of compliance or adherence to established rules, norms, or expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failure to conform" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the act of not meeting established standards or expectations. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is usable in written English and is suitable for diverse contexts. It is commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources. To ensure clarity, always specify the specific norms or rules that were not met. Consider using alternatives like "non-compliance" or "lack of adherence" depending on the context. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "failure to conform" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-compliance

Focuses specifically on not meeting required standards or regulations.

lack of adherence

Emphasizes a deficiency in maintaining commitment to rules or guidelines.

disregard for standards

Highlights the act of ignoring established benchmarks or expectations.

deviation from norms

Points to a departure from what is generally considered typical or standard.

breach of protocol

Implies a violation of accepted procedures or etiquette.

infringement of rules

Stresses the act of breaking or violating established regulations.

transgression against guidelines

Suggests a more serious offense against established directives.

neglect of conventions

Focuses on the oversight or ignoring of customary practices.

departure from tradition

Specifically indicates a move away from established customs or practices.

rebellion against the norm

Implies an active and deliberate opposition to standard practices.

FAQs

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

Use "failure to conform" to describe instances where someone or something does not meet the established standards or expectations. For instance, "The project's failure to conform to the budget led to its cancellation."

What are some alternatives to "failure to conform"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "non-compliance", "lack of adherence", or "deviation from norms".

Is it better to use "failure to conform" or "failure to comply"?

Both "failure to conform" and "failure to comply" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Failure to comply" typically refers to not following a specific rule or law, whereas "failure to conform" can refer to not meeting a general standard or expectation. The better choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean when something exhibits a "failure to conform"?

It means that the subject in question did not align with a specific set of rules, standards, or expectations. This could range from a product not meeting quality standards to a person not adhering to social norms.