failure to succeed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to succeed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something does not achieve the desired outcome or goal. Example: "The project faced numerous challenges, leading to a failure to succeed in meeting its objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But how, exactly, does low income result in failure to succeed at school?

The Guardian

But instead of beating himself up about his failure to succeed in those industries, he did something important: he noticed what he actually cared about.

Harvard Business Review

This carpentry was the grandest thing about the house, and his failure to succeed at piano lessons, though he took them for years, was the most distinct disappointment he made his mother suffer.

The New Yorker

He is too consumed by the belief that his failure to succeed, and to inculcate success in his sons, has somehow disqualified him for full membership in the human race.

The New York Times

Reick later blamed the index and the cascade of other features for his failure to succeed at The Sun. Ochs proved right in thinking the index would become invaluable to a select group.

The New York Times

"For the 2,800 women who were members of the class," Ms. Friedman said in an interview yesterday, "it's vindication to know that their failure to succeed was the result of class-wide discrimination".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

In trying to understand and to overcome our emotional distress and failures, and to succeed in our lives, we must take the time to look at ourselves in a caring and empathic fashion.

Huffington Post

Failure motivates me to succeed, because without failure, success just wouldn't have the vice grip on my heart as it does now.

Huffington Post

In spring 2002, on his weekly radio program, he continued the thought, saying that so-called social promotion ultimately resulted in the failure of children to succeed in the workplace as adults.

The New York Times

Through sport, we have to put ourselves out there and make ourselves vulnerable to failure in order to succeed.

Huffington Post

"I think I am more motivated by fear of failure than a desire to succeed," she admitted.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing broad strategies or long-term objectives, use "failure to succeed" to highlight the lack of overall accomplishment. For example, "Despite numerous attempts, the company's failure to succeed in the new market led to significant losses."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "failure to succeed" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "didn't work out" or "failed" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to succeed" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes the state or instance of not achieving a desired outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failure to succeed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI, that describes a lack of overall accomplishment rather than a single misstep. Its primary function is to express the non-attainment of goals. It is used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While versatile, it’s important to consider the context and opt for simpler alternatives in informal settings to avoid sounding overly formal. Understanding its connotations and potential for redundancy allows for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inability to achieve success

Emphasizes a lack of capability rather than the failure itself. Differs in focus.

lack of achievement

Highlights the absence of accomplishment, a more general term.

failure to accomplish goals

Specifically targets the non-attainment of objectives. Adds clarity.

unsuccessful attempt

Focuses on a specific effort that did not yield the desired result. Adds specificity.

abortive effort

Suggests an effort that was cut short or failed early. Implies incompletion.

ineffectual endeavor

Highlights the lack of impact or results from an undertaking. Emphasizes futility.

fruitless attempt

Indicates an attempt that yielded no positive outcome or benefits. Implies wasted effort.

vanished hopes

Focuses on hopes that did not materialize. It is more emotional.

thwarted ambition

Describes an ambition that was prevented from being realized. Suggests external obstacles.

come to naught

Suggests complete failure and worthlessness. A more dramatic expression.

FAQs

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

Use "failure to succeed" to describe a lack of overall accomplishment, as in, "The team's "failure to succeed" was attributed to poor planning and execution."

What are some alternatives to "failure to succeed"?

You can use alternatives such as "inability to achieve success", "lack of achievement", or "unsuccessful attempt" depending on the specific context.

Is "failure to succeed" redundant?

While it might seem redundant, "failure to succeed" emphasizes not just a single failure, but a broader pattern of not achieving the desired outcome, highlighting the comprehensive lack of success.

When is it best to use "failure to succeed" over simpler terms like "failure"?

"Failure to succeed" is most effective when emphasizing the comprehensive or ultimate lack of success in a larger endeavor, rather than a single, isolated failure. It highlights a continuing lack of desired outcomes.