failure to enforce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to enforce" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where there is a lack of action or implementation of rules, laws, or agreements. Example: "The failure to enforce the regulations has led to increased violations and public concern."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

China's creative industry has been hit hard by the failure to enforce copyright laws.

The New York Times

Our collective parenting failure to enforce proper dress fobbed off on the public school system.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Baucus said he was particularly concerned about failure to enforce intellectual property rules.

The New York Times

Indeed, a failure to enforce the rules could be challenged in court.

The Economist

But failure to enforce the rules on Greece could harm the credibility of the euro zone.

The New York Times

"The failure to enforce certain provisions of the parking rules does not negate the other provisions," he said.

The New York Times

China's failure to enforce copyright protection for films, software and domestic goods was a focus of Mr. Evans' remarks.

The New York Times

The suppression of wages and failure to enforce environmental standards creates a powerful incentive to move jobs overseas".

The New York Times - Arts

No mention was made of government failure to enforce standards, or of corruption, which are taboo subjects.

The New York Times

The report criticises the countries for corruption, organised crime and failure to enforce the rule of law.

The Economist

Foreign companies often end up bearing the brunt of responsibility for local governments' failure to enforce their own laws.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failure to enforce", ensure that you clearly specify what rule, law, or agreement is not being enforced to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "failure to enforce" without specifying the specific rule or law being neglected. For example, instead of saying "the failure to enforce led to problems", specify "the failure to enforce building codes led to structural failures".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to enforce" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject of a sentence, describing a state of inaction or negligence, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English where there is a lack of action or implementation of rules, laws or agreements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failure to enforce" is a frequently used noun phrase that describes a lack of implementation or adherence to rules and laws. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and suitable for various writing contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business settings. To maximize clarity and impact, specify the rule or law that is not being enforced when using this phrase. Alternatives such as "non-enforcement" or "lack of enforcement" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-enforcement

A more concise, noun-based alternative, directly indicating the lack of enforcement.

lack of enforcement

Emphasizes the absence or deficiency in applying rules or laws.

neglect to enforce

Highlights the element of negligence or oversight in not enforcing.

omission to enforce

Focuses on the act of leaving out or excluding enforcement.

lax enforcement

Indicates a weakening or loosening of enforcement efforts.

inadequate enforcement

Suggests that the enforcement measures are insufficient or not up to par.

poor enforcement

Highlights the low quality or ineffectiveness of enforcement actions.

defective enforcement

Indicates that the enforcement process contains flaws or shortcomings.

breakdown in enforcement

Suggests a complete failure or collapse of the enforcement system.

suspension of enforcement

Implies a temporary halt or interruption in the enforcement process.

FAQs

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

You can use "failure to enforce" to describe situations where rules or laws are not being properly implemented or followed. For example: "The government's "failure to enforce" environmental regulations led to increased pollution levels."

What are some alternatives to "failure to enforce"?

Alternatives include "non-enforcement", "lack of enforcement", or "neglect to enforce" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "failure to enforce" a formal expression?

"Failure to enforce" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider using "non-enforcement" for a more concise and direct tone.

What causes a "failure to enforce"?

A "failure to enforce" can stem from various factors, including lack of resources, corruption, political interference, or inadequate legal frameworks. The consequences can range from increased crime rates to environmental degradation.