failure to take action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to take action" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation in which someone has failed to take the desired action. For example, "The failure to take action on climate change could have dire consequences for our planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Failure to take action would be disastrous.

The Guardian

"Their failure to take action amounts to criminal negligence".

The New York Times

Kompass said he acted because of the UN's failure to take action on the abuse.

The Guardian

Today's verdict, and failure to take action, sends the message that this behaviour can go unpunished.

The Guardian

The alleged actions and any purported failure to take action will not be tolerated".

The New York Times

Failure to take action now will result in a considerable cost to future governments.

The Guardian

At what point do corporate executives become personally liable for their companies' failure to take action on climate change?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There has also been a widespread failure to take action against rampant electricity theft in informal urban settlements.

The Guardian

A failure to take action against the tax havens would be seen as a personal setback for Cameron.

The Guardian

Let's put it this way: their actions, or their failure to take action, is inexplicable, in very many cases.

The New Yorker

The regulator criticised his "failure" to take action, which Ofcom said was "difficult to comprehend and ill-judged".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing consequences, clearly state what specific action was not taken and the resulting negative outcome. For example, instead of just saying "the failure to take action was disastrous", specify "the failure to take action by implementing stricter safety protocols led to the accident".

Common error

Ensure that when you use the phrase "failure to take action", it's clear who failed to act and what specific action they failed to take. Ambiguity can weaken your argument and confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to take action" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a state or instance where a necessary or expected action was not performed. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failure to take action" is a grammatically correct and common noun phrase used to describe situations where inaction occurs, often with negative consequences. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. It is most frequently found in news and media, followed by academic and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify who failed to act and what specific action was omitted. Alternatives include "inaction" and "omission". Understanding the context and consequences of this phrase can improve both clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inaction

This alternative is a single-word synonym emphasizing the state of not taking action.

omission

This alternative highlights the act of leaving something undone or neglected.

neglect

This alternative emphasizes a lack of due care or attention, implying a failure to act responsibly.

non-response

This alternative directly indicates an absence of response or reaction to a situation.

passivity

This alternative underscores a lack of active participation or intervention.

dereliction of duty

This alternative specifically refers to the failure to fulfill one's obligations or responsibilities.

lapse in action

This alternative emphasizes a temporary failure or interruption in taking action.

default

This alternative suggests a failure to meet an obligation or expectation, leading to inaction.

oversight

This alternative implies that failure to act was accidental and due to an error.

non-intervention

This alternative indicates a deliberate choice not to intervene or take action in a situation.

FAQs

What are the consequences of "failure to take action"?

The consequences of "failure to take action" vary depending on the context but can include negative impacts on economies, public health, safety, and the environment. It can also lead to legal repercussions in certain situations.

What are some synonyms for "failure to take action"?

Some synonyms for "failure to take action" include "inaction", "omission", "neglect", and "non-response".

How is "failure to take action" different from negligence?

"Failure to take action" is a broad term referring to any instance where action is not taken. Negligence, on the other hand, is a legal term referring to a failure to exercise the standard of care that a reasonably prudent person would have exercised under similar circumstances, resulting in harm.

What causes "failure to take action"?

Causes of "failure to take action" can range from lack of awareness or resources to intentional decisions based on political, economic, or personal considerations. It can also stem from bureaucratic gridlock or fear of negative consequences.