failures

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "failures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a lack of success in any endeavor or undertaking. For example, "The project was a complete failure due to the team's many failures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Ebola crisis has brutally exposed the "age-old failures" of the humanitarian aid system with the World Health Organisation and governments repeating the mistakes of past public health emergencies, the medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has said.

The Guardian

A more recent account of government failures agrees, calling it "the blunder to end all blunders".

The Guardian - Opinion

The latest overhaul of Twitter's safety features comes after a leaked memo from the company's chief executive, Dick Costolo, laid out in frank language its failures to get on top of harassment on the site.

The Guardian - Tech

In this month's podcast, we'll look at forced labour and the role of international conventions in offering protection; the realities of working on the frontline against slavery; some of the trends in the anti-slavery movement; and the Centre of Social Justice report into the failures of the UK government to address human trafficking.

The Guardian

The failures are not his alone – we can't expect more of politicians than of the civil society that could push them.

The Guardian - Opinion

I apologise unreservedly for my failures in this regard.

The Guardian

When Labour loses an election there is a tendency on the left to first indulge in the wisdom of hindsight, and then to project the party's failures eternally into the future.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I think Republicans and Democrats both get to say: 'Don't saddle me with the failures of my party in the past,'" Grenell said.

The Guardian

Occupy Our Homes, on the other hand, confronts the system with its failures – predatory lending, homelessness, and empty bank-owned houses.

The Guardian - Opinion

Last month, HP stunned investors when it announced it was taking an $8.8bn charge against the $11.1bn it had paid for the British company it had bought from Lynch the year before, and said that over $5bn of that write-off stemmed from "accounting improprieties, disclosure failures and misrepresentations" – charges all denied by its ex-boss.

The Guardian - Tech

In interviews, Miliband argued that his decision to intervene in the energy markets was a special case prompted by unique failures in the flawed structure of the energy industry, rejecting claims that he was marching the party back to an era of socialism.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "failures" to acknowledge shortcomings constructively, focusing on lessons learned and improvements for the future.

Common error

Avoid using "failures" without providing context or specific examples, as this can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. Always specify what failed and why.

Linguistic Context

The noun "failures" primarily functions as the plural form of "failure", denoting multiple instances of not succeeding. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English for referring to a lack of success.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "failures" is a common and grammatically correct noun used to describe multiple instances of not succeeding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as formal business environments. While the word carries a neutral tone, its impact depends on the surrounding context. To ensure clarity, specify the causes and consequences of the "failures" being discussed. Alternatives like "shortcomings" or "deficiencies" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. When using "failures", strive for constructive analysis, focusing on learning from past mistakes to improve future outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shortcomings

Focuses on specific defects or deficiencies.

deficiencies

Highlights a lack of something essential or required.

errors

Emphasizes mistakes or inaccuracies.

faults

Implies responsibility or blame for the issues.

lapses

Suggests temporary or occasional failures in performance or judgment.

mistakes

General term for incorrect actions or decisions.

blunders

Indicates significant or embarrassing mistakes.

setbacks

Focuses on events that delay progress or success.

defeats

Emphasizes loss or lack of victory.

inadequacies

Highlights a lack of sufficient quality or quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "failures" in a sentence?

You can use "failures" to describe instances where an attempt or undertaking did not succeed, such as "The project experienced several "setbacks" and "errors", ultimately leading to multiple "failures"".

What's the difference between "failures" and "mistakes"?

"Mistakes" generally refer to individual errors, while "failures" often indicate a more comprehensive lack of success, potentially resulting from multiple "mistakes" or "shortcomings".

What are some alternatives to the word "failures"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "shortcomings", "deficiencies", or "errors" to describe situations where something did not succeed.

Is it appropriate to use the word "failures" in a professional setting?

Yes, "failures" can be used in a professional setting, but it's important to use it constructively and focus on learning from "errors" and improving processes to avoid future "setbacks".