failure to engage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to engage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something is not participating or interacting as expected. Example: "The team's failure to engage with the community has led to a lack of support for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Measures of engagement with IAPT services will include failure to engage, drop-out or discharge.

BMC Psychiatry

Mungitt's failure to engage goads Lemming even further.

The New Yorker

Two A-300 captains said that a failure to engage was unusual but not unheard of.

The New York Times

More damning is the show's failure to engage with the medium in which it exists.

The Guardian - Film

In fact, it's marked by a total failure to engage with your argument.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Failure to engage leads a culture to stagnation, irrelevance, and finally, death.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is difficult, however, to excuse Abbott's failure to engage on this issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some have expressed disappointment with the board's failure to engage in serious talks with Pfizer.

The Economist

She added that the failure to engage foreign decisions had resulted in diminished influence for the United States Supreme Court.

The New York Times

"I am deeply critical of American writers for their total failure to engage with the American empire.

The Guardian

What really stands out has been the failure to engage citizens in establishing a new public service settlement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failure to engage", ensure that the context clearly indicates what or who is expected to be engaged. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

While acceptable, "failure to engage" can sometimes sound accusatory or negative. In professional settings, consider using softer alternatives like "lack of engagement" or "limited participation" to maintain a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to engage" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or instance of not participating or interacting. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failure to engage" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a lack of participation or involvement. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is well-established across diverse sources, including news, science, and business. While generally neutral, its tone can be perceived as critical, suggesting considering alternatives like "lack of engagement" in professional contexts. Authoritative sources frequently use "failure to engage" to analyze shortcomings and explain negative outcomes, highlighting its importance in identifying and addressing deficiencies in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of engagement

Replaces "failure" with "lack", focusing on the absence of engagement.

lack of involvement

Replaces "engagement" with "involvement", highlighting the absence of active participation.

lack of participation

Substitutes "engagement" with "participation", emphasizing active involvement.

disengagement

Uses a single word to convey the state of not being engaged.

inability to connect

Shifts the focus to the inability to form a connection or relationship.

non-participation

A more formal term for lack of involvement.

lack of interaction

Focuses on the absence of communication or interaction.

refusal to participate

Emphasizes a deliberate choice not to participate.

unwillingness to cooperate

Highlights a lack of willingness to work together or collaborate.

passivity

Highlights a state of inaction and lack of active engagement.

FAQs

What does "failure to engage" mean?

The phrase "failure to engage" refers to a lack of participation, involvement, or interaction with something or someone. It implies an expected or desired level of engagement that has not been met.

What are some synonyms for "failure to engage"?

Alternatives include "lack of engagement", "lack of participation", "inability to connect", and "disengagement" depending on the specific context.

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

You might say, "The project's failure to engage the community led to its eventual cancellation." Or, "The student's failure to engage in class discussions resulted in a lower grade."

Is "failure to engage" formal or informal?

The phrase "failure to engage" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more neutral alternatives like "limited participation" may be preferred in professional settings to avoid sounding overly critical.