failure to meet

USAGE SUMMARY

"failure to meet" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone or something did not meet or fulfill a certain expectation or requirement. Example: "The team's failure to meet their sales target resulted in a decrease in profits for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

No consequences for failure to meet goals.

The New York Times

Failure to meet these standards will result in regulatory action.

The Guardian

Its growth stems from a failure to meet that demand.

The Guardian

Failure to meet targets can end a cadre's career.

The Economist

This was despite the firm's failure to meet government targets on finding jobs for the unemployed.

The Guardian

Failure to meet the target will result in the withdrawal of government funds.

The Guardian - Sport

The manifesto blamed migration from the EU for its failure to meet their objective.

The Guardian

Failure to meet that deadline has occasionally hindered soft-money budgeting.

The New York Times

Da Costa offered no excuses for his failure to meet expectations.

The New York Times - Sports

"Failure to meet this responsibility would be far more dangerous than a government shutdown," he said.

The Guardian

But its current failure to meet expectations has left its supporters disappointed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failure to meet", clearly state what specific target or requirement was not met to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "failure to meet" without specifying the standards or criteria that were not achieved. Instead of saying "The project was a failure to meet", specify "The project's failure to meet the deadline resulted in budget overruns."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to meet" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of not fulfilling a requirement or expectation. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failure to meet" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the state of not fulfilling a requirement or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various writing contexts. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and business-related sources, indicating its appropriateness for formal and professional communication. When using this phrase, it is important to specify the exact standards or criteria that were not achieved to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "inability to satisfy" and "non-compliance with", each with slightly different nuances. By understanding its proper usage and potential pitfalls, you can effectively communicate unmet goals or standards in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failure to satisfy

Similar, but replaces "meet" with "satisfy".

inability to satisfy

Focuses on the lack of capability to fulfill requirements.

non-compliance with

Emphasizes a lack of adherence to rules or regulations.

deficiency in fulfilling

Highlights a shortage or inadequacy in achieving something.

lack of adherence to

Highlights the absence of sticking to something.

shortfall in achieving

Indicates a deficit or gap in reaching a goal.

inadequacy in reaching

Focuses on the insufficiency in attaining a certain level.

neglect to fulfill

Implicates a degree of negligence or omission.

default on accomplishing

Implies a breach or breakdown in the process of achieving.

underperformance in completing

Highlights achieving below the required level.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "failure to meet" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "inability to satisfy", "non-compliance with", or "shortfall in achieving" depending on the specific context.

What are the consequences of a "failure to meet" expectations?

The consequences vary based on the context, but can include penalties, loss of funding, damage to reputation, or project cancellation. The specific consequences should be explicitly stated to understand the impact of the failure.

Is there a difference between "failure to meet" and "failure to comply"?

"Failure to meet" is a broader term indicating a lack of achievement or fulfillment, while "failure to comply" specifically refers to not adhering to rules, regulations, or standards. The latter is more specific and often implies a violation of a formal requirement.

How to use "failure to meet" in a professional context?

In professional settings, use "failure to meet" to objectively describe unmet goals or expectations, such as "The department's failure to meet its sales quota" or "The vendor's failure to meet the agreed-upon service levels resulted in contract termination".