failure to something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to something" is not correct in English as it is incomplete and lacks clarity.
It can be used when discussing the inability to perform a specific action or task, but it needs to be followed by a clear verb or action. Example: "The failure to comply with safety regulations can lead to serious consequences."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Commercial-bank reserves grew from $50 billion at the time of the Lehman failure to something like $800 billion by the end of the year.

The Economist

Most people attach failure to something not working out or how people perceive you.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But the only failure is the failure to rescue something.

The New Yorker

"It would've been a film of failure ��� failure to do something meaningful in the prison".

The New York Times

"May failure to purchase something subject me to regulation?" he asked.

The New York Times

"Congress is not regulating the failure to buy something, but the failure to secure financing," Mr. Katyal said.

The New York Times

Failure to do something about population dooms our descendants to living conditions that we can scarcely imagine.

The New Yorker

There's been a total failure to craft something like a European identity — the problem hasn't even been recognized.

The New Yorker

There are real issues, and a failure to do something he was legally, ethically, and politically responsible for".

The New Yorker

Curry has always been a product of compromised ingredients and cultural misunderstandings, and most of the familiar dishes are the result of a failure to recreate something else".

The Guardian - Books

At a Council on Foreign Relations session last week, General Scowcroft was reported by a participant to have said that moderate Arab countries were "deeply disappointed with this administration and its failure to do something to moderate the attitude of Israel".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use more precise language: Instead of "failure to something", specify the action that was not completed. For instance, use "failure to comply with regulations".

Common error

Avoid using the fragment "failure to something" without a clear verb or noun phrase following it. This construction is grammatically incomplete and unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to something" functions as an incomplete noun phrase, often requiring a verb to complete its meaning. As Ludwig AI points out, it lacks clarity and is considered grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "failure to something" is considered grammatically incorrect due to its incompleteness. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment, advising users to seek more precise and complete phrasing. While examples do exist, their scarcity and the grammatical issue suggest avoiding this construction. Instead, opt for alternatives like "inability to achieve" or "neglect of", depending on the intended meaning. Correct usage and clear communication should always be the goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inability to achieve something

This alternative focuses on the lack of capacity to accomplish a specific task.

failure to attain something

This phrase highlights the lack of success in reaching a particular objective.

omission of something

This option emphasizes the act of leaving something undone or unaddressed.

neglect of something

This alternative implies a disregard or lack of attention towards a particular thing.

default on something

This suggests a failure to fulfill an obligation or expectation.

deficiency in something

This highlights a lack or shortage in a particular area or aspect.

shortcoming in something

This indicates a flaw or weakness in a specific aspect or area.

lapse in something

This suggests a temporary failure or decline in a particular quality or state.

lack of something

This option emphasizes the absence of a required element or characteristic.

inadequate performance regarding something

This expresses that the actions are not enough to satisfy the goal.

FAQs

How to use "failure to" correctly in a sentence?

The phrase "failure to" needs to be followed by a verb. For example, "failure to comply" or "failure to report". Ensure the sentence clearly states what action was not performed.

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

Depending on the context, alternatives include "inability to achieve", "neglect of", or "lack of". Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.

Is "failure to something" grammatically correct?

No, "failure to something" is grammatically incomplete. It requires a verb or noun phrase to complete the meaning. For instance, "failure to act" is correct.

What's the difference between "failure to comply" and "inability to comply"?

"Failure to comply" implies a non-compliance with a rule or law, while "inability to comply" suggests that someone lacks the means or capacity to follow the rules. The first implies fault, the second implies a lack of resources.