failure to deliver

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to deliver" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where there is an inability to provide or fulfill something that was expected or promised. Example: "The company faced significant consequences due to their failure to deliver the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm disappointed at the failure to deliver sustainable growth.

The Guardian

Failure to deliver four pages of the paper on deadline.

Independent

Failure to deliver them could cost the president re-election.

The New York Times

A failure to deliver though will have fans baying for blood.

The Guardian - Sport

Perhaps it's something to do with the band's fragility, that failure to deliver.

The Guardian - Music

There was also fierce criticism of Italy's failure to deliver on promises of overseas aid.

The Guardian

Without this win there would have endless jokes about his failure to deliver.

The Guardian - Sport

He said: "G4S has accepted responsibility for its failure to deliver fully on the Olympic contract.

The Guardian - Business

Others, however, have blamed black leadership for the "failure" to deliver justice to Martin's family.

The Guardian

For rival parties, this failure to deliver is as important as ideological disagreement.

The Guardian - Opinion

The failure to deliver on political reform is what has driven me".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failure to deliver", ensure the context clearly specifies what was not delivered and the consequences of this failure. For instance, "The company's "failure to deliver" the project on time resulted in significant financial losses."

Common error

While "failure to deliver" is widely accepted, avoid using it excessively in informal writing or conversation. Simpler alternatives like "didn't provide" or "failed to meet" may be more appropriate for casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to deliver" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the act or instance of not fulfilling an obligation, promise, or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failure to deliver" is a grammatically sound and prevalent phrase used to describe the act of not fulfilling a promise or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s commonly found in news, business, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it’s best to consider simpler alternatives for informal settings. Common writing errors involve overuse in casual conversations, where words like "didn't provide" can be sufficient. When deployed effectively, "failure to deliver" adds a nuanced precision that succinctly captures unmet expectations and their consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-delivery

A more concise noun form emphasizing the absence of delivery.

inability to provide

Focuses on the lack of capacity or means to supply something.

failure to fulfill

Highlights the lack of completion of a task or promise.

default on obligation

Emphasizes the breach of a duty or responsibility.

breach of contract

Specifically refers to a failure to uphold the terms of an agreement.

lapse in performance

Indicates a temporary decline or failure in carrying out duties.

shortfall in supply

Highlights a deficiency in the amount of something provided.

dereliction of duty

Implies a conscious neglect or abandonment of responsibilities.

unmet expectation

Focuses on the disappointment resulting from a failure to satisfy anticipated outcomes.

abandonment of commitment

Stresses the act of giving up on a previously made pledge.

FAQs

How to use "failure to deliver" in a sentence?

You can use "failure to deliver" to describe situations where an expected outcome or product was not provided. For example, "The "failure to deliver" the promised aid had severe consequences."

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

You can use alternatives like "non-delivery", "inability to provide", or "failure to fulfill" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "failure to deliver" or "failure of delivery"?

"Failure to deliver" is generally preferred when referring to the act of not providing something. "Failure of delivery" is less common but can be used to describe a specific instance of unsuccessful delivery, often in a more technical or legal context.

What's the difference between "failure to deliver" and "breach of contract"?

"Failure to deliver" is a general term for not providing something expected, whereas "breach of contract" specifically refers to violating the terms of a formal agreement. "Failure to deliver" can contribute to a "breach of contract" but is not inherently one.