failure to pay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to pay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to financial obligations, contracts, or legal matters where payment is expected but not received. Example: "The company reserves the right to terminate the contract due to the failure to pay the agreed-upon fees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Failure to pay could result in incarceration.

The New Yorker

§ 1.316 Application abandoned for failure to pay issue fee.

Cornell University

§ 825.212 Employee failure to pay health plan premium payments.

Cornell University

One of commonest complaints is the failure to pay wages.

The Economist

A failure to pay a fine is not a crime.

The New York Times

He condemned Belarus' failure to pay for deliveries on time.

The New York Times

And Tishman Speyer wants them out for failure to pay.

The New York Times

Failure to pay United Nations dues erodes United States' credibility.

The New York Times

However, failure to pay the nurses regular salaries had led to serious attrition of the workforce.

Social Science & Medicine

Failure to pay off a bank loan or trade credit incurs a variable default cost.

Omega

For failure to pay their fines, they could have been sentenced to prison.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential consequences, clearly state the specific repercussions of the "failure to pay", such as late fees, service suspension, or legal action.

Common error

Ensure clarity by explicitly stating what the "failure to pay" refers to. For instance, specify "failure to pay rent" instead of just "failure to pay" to avoid any confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to pay" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of not fulfilling a financial obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

29%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failure to pay" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of not fulfilling a financial obligation. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is widely applicable across varied contexts, from news reports to academic discussions. The frequency of its use across sources like The New York Times, Cornell University, and The Guardian underscores its importance in both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, ensuring clarity by specifying the exact nature of the unpaid obligation is crucial for effective communication. Consider alternatives like "non-payment" or "default on payment" for concise phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-payment

Replaces "failure to pay" with a single noun, providing a more concise alternative.

default on payment

Highlights the breach of an agreement or obligation to pay.

delinquency in payment

Emphasizes the lateness or overdue nature of the payment.

payment default

A more concise way of saying that a payment obligation has not been met.

inability to pay

Focuses on the lack of capacity to fulfill the payment obligation.

refusal to pay

Indicates a deliberate decision not to make a payment.

overdue payment

Highlights that the payment is past its due date.

missed payment

A simple way to state that a payment was not made when expected.

arrears

Indicates an accumulation of unpaid debts or obligations.

outstanding balance

Focuses on the unpaid amount that remains due.

FAQs

What are the consequences of "failure to pay" rent?

The consequences of "failure to pay" rent can include eviction, late fees, and damage to your credit score. Landlords typically have legal recourse to pursue unpaid rent.

What can I say instead of "failure to pay"?

You can use alternatives like "non-payment", "default on payment", or "delinquency in payment" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "failure to pay" or "failure of payment"?

"Failure to pay" is more commonly used and generally preferred over "failure of payment". The former directly describes the action that was not performed.

How does "failure to pay" taxes affect my credit score?

"Failure to pay" taxes can lead to liens on your property and significant damage to your credit score. It is essential to address tax debts promptly to avoid long-term financial consequences.