failure to connect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to connect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where there is an inability to establish a connection, whether it be technical, emotional, or interpersonal. Example: "The failure to connect with the audience during the presentation led to a lack of engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By 2010, this persistent failure to connect with Britons was fuelling a growing internal rebellion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Elsewhere the report spoke of the party's failure to connect with demographic groups in the centre.

The Guardian

Failure to connect with that global audience can spell the difference between commercial success and failure.

The Guardian - Film

The failure to connect sources of aid to those in need is not only surprising.

The New York Times

This leads to thinking in "silos" — and often to a failure to connect the dots.

The New York Times

There is much talk of Labour's failure to connect to its heartlands.

The Economist

Bad decisions sometimes stem from a failure to connect the problem to the overall strategy.

Harvard Business Review

Indeed, all the relationships in this elegiac novel are characterised by absence, un-availability and a failure to connect.

The Guardian - Books

Looking back, some say the magnitude of the loss reflected Mr. Obama's failure to connect with black, working-class voters.

The New York Times

Remembering holiday trips he's taken with his family, he thinks about his failure to connect with his wife and kids.

The New York Times - Books

That was supposed to have been addressed after the infamous "failure to connect the dots" before the 9/11 attacks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failure to connect", consider the specific context: is it a technical issue, a communication problem, or a relational breakdown? Choosing more precise language can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "failure to connect" as a generic term for any problem. Be specific about what isn't connecting – is it data, people, ideas, or something else? Providing context improves understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to connect" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a state or instance of lacking a connection. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

5%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failure to connect" is a grammatically sound and versatile noun phrase widely used to denote a lack of connection in diverse scenarios. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and common. It's important to consider the specific context when using this phrase, ensuring that the type of connection that failed (e.g., technical, emotional, communicative) is clear to the reader. While frequently appearing in news and media, its neutral register makes it suitable for a range of professional and general communication contexts. Consider alternatives like "breakdown in communication" or "inability to relate" for greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disconnect

This single word captures the essence of a separation or lack of connection.

breakdown in communication

This focuses specifically on the failure of effective communication processes.

communication breakdown

Similar to breakdown in communication, but with a slightly different emphasis.

failure to understand

This emphasizes a lack of comprehension or insight.

inability to relate

This alternative emphasizes a lack of personal connection or understanding between individuals.

gap in understanding

Highlights a difference in comprehension or perspective.

lack of rapport

This highlights the absence of a harmonious or sympathetic relationship.

lack of engagement

This refers to a failure to involve or interest someone.

inability to empathize

This focuses on the lack of emotional understanding or shared feelings.

ruptured relationship

Indicates a damaged or broken connection between people.

FAQs

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

You can use "failure to connect" to describe a breakdown in communication, a lack of understanding, or a technical issue. For example: "The project's failure was due to a failure to connect with the target audience."

What are some alternatives to "failure to connect"?

Alternatives include "inability to relate", "breakdown in communication", or "disconnect", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "failure to connect" or "inability to connect"?

Both "failure to connect" and "inability to connect" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Failure" emphasizes the result, while "inability" emphasizes the lack of capacity.

What does it mean to say there was a "failure to connect the dots"?

The phrase "failure to connect the dots" refers to a situation where individual pieces of information are available, but they are not properly understood or linked together to form a complete picture, often leading to negative consequences.