failure to recognize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to recognize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something does not acknowledge or identify a particular fact, situation, or individual. Example: "The failure to recognize the importance of mental health can lead to serious consequences for individuals and society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The problem is their failure to recognize and end it.

The New York Times

"There was a collective failure to recognize the problem as it emerged," he said.

The New York Times

I am baffled by Mr. Rafferty's failure to recognize this current in Cuban moviemaking.

The New York Times

But the most common deterrent is a failure to recognize a hearing problem in young children.

The New York Times - Science

Comments Exactly 200 entries, with very few mistakes, mainly over failure to recognize PINSENT (SPINNET).

The Guardian

The failure to recognize the enemy of our republic could be our death knell".

The New Yorker

The failure to recognize humanity's free will drives much of the so-called culture wars.

The New York Times

A failure to recognize the legitimacy of the winner would be inexcusable".

The New York Times

But I am always surprised by their failure to recognize how they will be perceived outside".

The New York Times - Tech

(Meanwhile, Copperfield's failure to recognize Steerforth's awfulness ruins a number of lives).

The New Yorker

There's a failure to recognize how so many Torontonians actually live.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failure to recognize", ensure the context clearly indicates what is not being recognized and the consequences of this oversight. For instance, "The failure to recognize early warning signs led to a more severe outcome" provides a clear understanding.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the results of the "failure to recognize". Use concrete, realistic results. Saying "Failure to recognize this will lead to complete ruin" is usually less credible than "Failure to recognize this may result in decreased efficiency".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to recognize" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject of a sentence or a component of a larger nominal structure. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it describes a lack of acknowledgment or awareness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failure to recognize" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that denotes a lack of awareness, understanding, or acknowledgment. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts, indicating its suitability for formal and informational writing. When using "failure to recognize", it's important to be mindful of the context and ensure clarity in communicating what is not being recognized and the consequences of that oversight. While alternatives such as "inability to acknowledge" or "neglect to identify" can be used, "failure to recognize" offers a direct and widely accepted way to convey a lack of recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inability to acknowledge

Focuses on the lack of capacity or willingness to acknowledge something.

neglect to identify

Highlights the act of neglecting or overlooking something that should be identified.

overlooking

Focuses on inadvertently failing to notice something.

oversight of

Emphasizes the unintentional failure to notice or consider something.

to not appreciate

Focuses on the failure to value properly something.

missed detection of

Focuses on the failure to detect or notice something that was present.

ignorance of

Highlights a lack of knowledge or awareness about something.

lack of awareness of

Similar to ignorance, but emphasizes the absence of conscious knowledge.

underestimation of

Highlights the act of failing to appreciate the true extent or importance of something.

disregard for

Focuses on a deliberate lack of attention or respect for something.

FAQs

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

You can use "failure to recognize" to indicate a lack of awareness or understanding. For example, "The company's "failure to recognize" market trends led to a decline in sales".

What are some alternatives to "failure to recognize"?

Alternatives include "inability to acknowledge", "neglect to identify", or "lack of awareness of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "failure to recognize" or "fails to recognize"?

The choice depends on the sentence structure. "Failure to recognize" functions as a noun phrase, while "fails to recognize" is a verb phrase. For example, "Their "failure to recognize" the issue was problematic" vs. "The team "fails to recognize" the severity of the problem".

What's the difference between "failure to recognize" and "refusal to recognize"?

"Failure to recognize" implies a lack of awareness or understanding, while "refusal to recognize" suggests a deliberate choice not to acknowledge something, even when aware of it.