failure to obey

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to obey" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is not following rules, laws, or commands. Example: "The consequences of failure to obey the regulations can result in severe penalties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Most were arrested for "failure to obey a lawful order," after police asked them to move).

The New Yorker

Well, yes, it's hard to know what failure to obey the commission would mean in practice.

The Guardian - Business

The party funding rules have been in force for some time and failure to obey is a criminal offence.

The Guardian

But it is a rare profession where failure to obey its own rules is practically a condition of entry.

The Economist

Israel was bound in obedience, and Israel's failure to obey provided the occasions for the prophetic messages.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A lesser count of trespassing and one count of failure to obey an order have also been brought against most of the defendants.

The New York Times

Victor Arana, was found guilty of dereliction of duty and failure to obey an order by a military judge, Lt. Col. Ralph Kohlmann on Saturday.

The New York Times

She was eventually sentenced to 20 hours of community service for failure to obey a reasonable police order, after not dispersing when police declared the assembly illegal.

The Guardian

Victor Arana, was found guilty of dereliction of duty and failure to obey an order in the death of Lance Cpl.

The New York Times

Moss spent the night in jail and was charged the next day with careless driving and with failure to obey a traffic officer, both misdemeanors.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Clinton also paid to plaintiff $89,484 as the "reasonable expenses, including attorneys fees, caused by his willful failure to obey the court's discovery orders".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "failure to obey", ensure the context clearly defines what rule, law, or command was disobeyed. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "failure to obey" without specifying what was disobeyed. For instance, instead of writing "His failure to obey led to consequences", specify the command or regulation that was not followed, such as "His failure to obey the traffic signal led to an accident."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to obey" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing an instance where someone does not adhere to a rule, command, or law. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failure to obey" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe non-compliance with rules, laws, or commands. According to Ludwig, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, legal documents, and general discussions about conduct. While alternatives like "non-compliance" or "disobedience" exist, the choice depends on the specific situation and desired tone. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to specify what rule or command was disobeyed. Overall, "failure to obey" is a versatile and reliable phrase for conveying instances of non-adherence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-compliance

This is a more formal term for not following a rule or command.

disobedience

This term highlights the act of refusing to obey.

refusal to comply

Emphasizes the active choice of not complying.

violation of orders

Specifically refers to not following direct orders.

neglecting to follow

Focuses on the negligence aspect of not obeying.

ignoring instructions

Highlights the act of disregarding specific instructions.

disregarding regulations

Focuses on the act of ignoring established regulations.

breach of protocol

Implies a violation of established rules or procedures.

infringement

Implies a transgression or violation of a rule or law.

defiance

A more aggressive form of not obeying, indicating resistance.

FAQs

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

You can use "failure to obey" to describe instances where someone does not follow rules, laws, or commands. For example, "The arrest was due to his "failure to obey" a lawful order".

What are some alternatives to saying "failure to obey"?

Alternatives include "non-compliance", "disobedience", or "refusal to comply", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "failure to comply" or "failure to obey"?

"Failure to comply" is often used in more formal or legal contexts, while "failure to obey" can be used more broadly. The best choice depends on the specific situation and desired tone. Both phrases are grammatically correct and often interchangeable.

What are the potential consequences of "failure to obey"?

The consequences of "failure to obey" can range from minor penalties to severe punishments, depending on the nature of the rule or law that was violated. These might include fines, imprisonment, or disciplinary actions.