failure to constitute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to constitute" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that something has not been established or formed as required. Example: "The failure to constitute a quorum resulted in the cancellation of the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, so far, the achievements have not matched the expectations primarily because of an inherent institutional limitation of the program: failure to constitute the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) with adequate power and operational flexibility to achieve the overarching goal of shared growth while ensuring compliance from all stakeholders.

World Development

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They may very well be bad art, but aesthetic failure does not constitute a failure to be art (Zangwill 2001).

Biology and Philosophy

It should be noted that failure to disclose constitutes a deceptive omission.

Huffington Post

The American philosopher William James (1842 1910) refined this approach by limiting it, among matters that cannot be proved, to belief-options that one has some real inclination or desire to accept, carry momentous implications, and are such that a failure to choose constitutes a negative choice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For if the Demon's illusions are truly undetectable, failure to detect them hardly seems to constitute a failure of rationality.

SEP

Irreversible acute renal failure has been reported to constitute 11 38% of late referrals [ 1, 10].

BMC Nephrology

Other outcomes that were deemed not to constitute treatment failure were withdrawal (e.g., children's caregivers who decided not to continue with the study); or cases where a child could not be located, whether at the hospital, in the community, or in the study area.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Failure to pay "shall constitute an event of default under the operating agreement," the company stated.

The New York Times

In their view, America "promised" such things as civilian nuclear technology, and the failure to deliver them constitutes deception.

The New York Times

The court sided with the trust, saying "that the buyer made no attempt to participate in the auction and bid on the painting" and that failure to do so "constitutes a failure to mitigate its alleged consequential damages".

The New York Times - Arts

In discussing enforceable duties to give evidence or Samaritan aid, Mill claims that the failure to confer benefits constitutes harm.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failure to constitute", ensure the context clearly indicates what entity or structure was not successfully formed or established. Clarity is crucial in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "failure to constitute" when a simpler phrase like "lack of" or "absence of" would suffice. The phrase is best suited for scenarios where a formal establishment or formation process was expected but did not occur.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to constitute" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence, typically indicating an omission or inability to form or establish something as required. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failure to constitute" is a formal phrase used to denote a lack of formation or establishment, primarily in legal, official, or academic contexts. While grammatically correct, simpler alternatives may be suitable for informal settings. Ludwig provides examples confirming its appropriate usage and highlights its role in expressing deficiencies or problems stemming from a lack of creation. Understanding the phrase's scope and register helps ensure its effective and precise application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inability to form

Focuses on the lack of ability rather than the action of constituting.

lack of establishment

Emphasizes the absence of established structure or organization.

failure to construct

Highlights the inability to build or put something together.

omission to create

Highlights the act of neglecting to bring something into existence.

failure to materialize

Emphasizes the lack of realization or coming into being.

neglect to establish

Implies a careless oversight in setting up or founding something.

inability to set up

Focuses on the difficulty or impossibility of organizing or arranging.

default in forming

Suggests a failure to meet an obligation to create or shape something.

failure to put in place

Emphasizes the lack of implementation or establishment of a system or structure.

lapse in building

Focuses on the cessation of a construction or development process.

FAQs

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

You can use "failure to constitute" to describe the lack of formation or establishment of something. For example, "The "failure to constitute a quorum" resulted in the meeting's cancellation."

What are some alternatives to "failure to constitute"?

Alternatives include "inability to form", "lack of establishment", or "omission to create", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "failure to constitute" formal or informal?

"Failure to constitute" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for legal, official, or academic contexts. Simpler alternatives might be preferred in informal settings.

What's the difference between "failure to constitute" and "failure to establish"?

While similar, "failure to constitute" often implies a lack of initial formation, whereas "failure to establish" can suggest a lack of continued existence or validation. The choice depends on whether you're referring to the beginning stages or a more ongoing process.