failure to update

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to update" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is discussing the lack of action taken to make updates, such as in software, reports, or procedures. Example: "The failure to update the software led to several security vulnerabilities that could have been avoided."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Failure to update the information in the registry would carry fines of $250 to $2,500, Mr. Palmer said.

The New York Times

One glaring fault is a failure to update for the switch to settling transactions in three business days.

The New York Times

Failure to update Section 4 reflects continuing divisions in our society, even as the political correctness of the Act would allow for easy Senate renewal.

The New Yorker

But this government's failure to update it, to modernise and to make it work for our poorest pupils is choking it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Watson was scathing about Labour's failure to update its campaign methods to reconnect with the voters who once formed the bedrock of its support.

Independent

But it was a reminder that not all the C$8 billion ($8 billion) budgeted for aboriginal affairs is well spent.The failure to update the Indian Act is not the fault of the government alone.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

They also claim that names are remaining on the police intelligence records even after a person has cut ties with a gang because of failures to update the information.

Independent

The presidential system is broken now as a result of the failure of Congress to update and modernize it and the system should be repaired, not repealed.

Huffington Post

Rules ((mathtt{{STOP} }_0)) and ((mathtt{{STOP} })) deal with failure due to updating of the constraint-head-value function.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

The problem can be a clerical error, perhaps the failure of a woman to update her last name after she marries or some other issue.

The New York Times

Rees said there was a lack of auditing and up-to-date data due to a failure by the states to update forest management plans first drawn up in 1998.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "failure to update" with more specific language like "lack of data synchronization" or "outdated security protocols" for greater clarity in technical writing.

Common error

Avoid using "failure to update" in contexts where the audience might not understand what specific item or system needs to be updated. Always provide enough context to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to update" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the instance or state of not performing an update. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "failure to update" is a common noun phrase used to describe situations where something has not been updated. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It commonly appears in News & Media and Science contexts to point out oversights, problems, or risks stemming from a lack of updating. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify exactly what was not updated and the consequences thereof. Alternatives like "neglecting to update" or "lack of updating" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neglecting to update

Focuses on the act of neglect in performing the update.

omission of update

Highlights the act of leaving out an update.

lack of updating

Emphasizes the absence of the updating process.

not updating

A more direct and simple way to express the same idea.

unupdated status

Describes the state of something that has not been updated.

non-revision

Focuses on the lack of a revision or modification.

failure to revise

Uses revise as a synonym to update.

forgetting to update

Suggests an unintentional oversight in updating.

update not performed

Highlights that the action of updating did not occur.

delay in updating

Emphasizes the lateness of the update, rather than the complete absence.

FAQs

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

You can use "failure to update" to describe situations where something was not updated when it should have been. For example: "The "failure to update" the software led to security vulnerabilities."

What are some alternatives to "failure to update"?

Some alternatives include "neglecting to update", "omission of update", or "lack of updating", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "failure to update" and "delay in updating"?

"Failure to update" implies that the update did not happen at all, whereas "delay in updating" suggests that the update was late, but may eventually occur.

Is "failure to update" formal or informal language?

"Failure to update" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more specific technical terms might be preferable in highly formal or technical writing.