failure to maintain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to maintain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is not fulfilling their responsibility to keep something in proper condition or functioning order. Example: "The company faced penalties due to their failure to maintain safety standards in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There was Bone's failure to maintain books and records.

The New Yorker

Even more egregious than the lack of new investment is our failure to maintain existing infrastructure.

The New Yorker

The city issued a violation notice for the failure to maintain the standpipe.

The New York Times

The reason was the company's failure to maintain an independent audit committee.

The New York Times

I see this as a problem of boundaries – the failure to maintain them.

The New York Times

The scheme had to be scrapped and the trainees flown home after the failure to maintain discipline.

The Guardian

Isn't it interesting, then, that this fascination with the penis beaker hinges on its failure to maintain symbolic boundaries.

The Guardian - Opinion

In contrast, yesterday's report stated that "failure to maintain adequate reactive power support" was a major contributor to the crisis.

The New York Times

The result, the evidence of which is all around us, is a collective failure to maintain our generational integrity.

The New York Times - Magazine

So it was that Oborne detailed what he perceives to be the Telegraph's failure to maintain its historic standards.

The Guardian

"A failure to maintain the momentum will mean money spent so far will have been for nothing" said Mr Snow.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing responsibilities, clearly specify what should have been maintained to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "the failure to maintain", specify "the failure to maintain the equipment".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase in overly broad contexts without specifying what exactly was not maintained. Be specific to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to maintain" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a lack of upkeep or the act of not sustaining something, often leading to negative consequences. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failure to maintain" is a commonly used phrase to describe a lack of upkeep or negligence in sustaining something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is frequently found in news, media and scientific contexts, with a generally neutral to professional tone. When using this phrase, it's essential to be specific about what was not maintained to enhance clarity and avoid overgeneralization. Consider using alternatives like "neglect to preserve" or "inability to uphold" based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neglect to preserve

Focuses more on the act of neglecting something that should be kept in a certain condition.

inability to uphold

Highlights the lack of capacity or power to sustain something.

lapse in upkeep

Indicates a temporary failure or decline in maintaining something.

deficiency in preserving

Emphasizes the inadequacy or shortage in the act of maintaining something.

omission to conserve

Stresses the act of leaving out or failing to conserve something.

dereliction of preservation

Implies a more serious and conscious neglect of duty to preserve something.

disregard for sustaining

Highlights a lack of attention or care in keeping something in a certain condition.

oversight in retaining

Indicates an unintentional failure to keep something in its current state.

shortcoming in protecting

Emphasizes a weakness or flaw in the act of protecting something.

breakdown in conservation

Focuses on the cessation of conservation efforts leading to a state of disrepair.

FAQs

What does "failure to maintain" mean?

The phrase "failure to maintain" refers to the act of not keeping something in good condition or not continuing a certain standard or process. It implies a neglect or inability to uphold something as it should be.

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

You can use "failure to maintain" to describe a lack of upkeep or a decline in standards. For example: "The building's disrepair was due to the landlord's "failure to maintain" the property."

What are some alternatives to "failure to maintain"?

Alternatives to "failure to maintain" include phrases like "neglect to preserve", "inability to uphold", or "deficiency in preserving". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is "failure to maintain" formal or informal?

"Failure to maintain" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, it's important to provide specific details about what was not maintained for clarity. For example, in professional writing you can consider alternative ways to express it, such as "inability to uphold" or "deficiency in preserving".