frightened of failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frightened of failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a fear or anxiety about not succeeding in a particular task or endeavor. Example: "She was frightened of failure, which made her hesitant to take risks in her career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

We weren't frightened of failure and were taught to laugh at ourselves.

The Guardian

They tend to assume that things are impossible, or get frightened of failure".

The Guardian - Tech

That's how I approach everything: and there's always a little part of your brain frightened of failure".

The Guardian

"And don't be frightened of failure.

BBC

It took them a while to get to this place, where they're so frightened of failure that they're willing to sacrifice their greatest asset: the ability to inspire.

Huffington Post

The young men who endure this training camp are more frightened of failure than they are of Bryant.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

I had Radio 4's Woman's Hour on in the background, and happened to hear Jenni Murray suggesting women can be more frightened of success than they are of failure.

The Guardian

Embodied theories of emotions have been criticized for their failure to account for the target of the emotion (I feel frightened of the dog, for instance).

SEP

Miles is frightened of heights and can't paint the church steeple, too-apt symbol of his own failure of ambition and crisis of faith.

Los Angeles Times

"You're frightened of them?" "They're frightening people.

The Guardian

What was I frightened of?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, follow "frightened of failure" with a specific explanation of what consequences are feared. For example, "She was frightened of failure, fearing the loss of her reputation."

Common error

Avoid using "frightened of failure" in situations where a milder term like "disappointed" or "concerned" would be more appropriate. Overusing strong emotional language can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frightened of failure" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of being afraid or apprehensive about the possibility of not succeeding. The use of the preposition "of" connects the adjective "frightened" to the noun "failure", specifying the object of fear. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "frightened of failure" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the feeling of fear or anxiety related to the possibility of not succeeding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid phrase and as the provided examples showcase, it is primarily used in news and media contexts. While not as common as alternatives like "afraid of failure", it effectively conveys a specific emotional state. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning and context, avoiding overuse in casual situations. Overcoming this fear involves reframing failure as a learning opportunity and focusing on effort rather than solely on outcomes. Alternatives such as "scared of failure" or "apprehensive about failure" offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Afraid of failure

Direct synonym, replacing "frightened" with "afraid", maintaining the same meaning.

Scared of failure

Uses "scared" instead of "frightened", indicating a similar level of fear.

Terrified of failure

Replaces "frightened" with "terrified", intensifying the level of fear.

Apprehensive about failure

Shifts from fear to a more anticipatory anxiety using "apprehensive".

Anxious about failure

Focuses on the anxiety component rather than outright fear.

Dread failure

Uses "dread" to express a strong aversion and fear of failure.

Have a fear of failure

Rephrases as having a general fear, altering the sentence structure.

Worried about failing

Shifts the focus to the act of failing, expressing concern.

Hesitant due to fear of failure

Indicates a resulting hesitation caused by the fear.

Intimidated by the prospect of failure

Emphasizes the feeling of being daunted by the possibility of failure.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "frightened of failure"?

Being "frightened of failure" means experiencing anxiety or fear related to the possibility of not succeeding in a task or endeavor. It can lead to hesitation, avoidance, or excessive preparation.

How can I overcome being "frightened of failure"?

Strategies to overcome being "frightened of failure" include reframing failure as a learning opportunity, setting realistic goals, focusing on effort rather than outcome, and seeking support from others.

What are some alternative ways to say "frightened of failure"?

You can use alternatives like "afraid of failure", "scared of failure", or "anxious about failure" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it normal to be "frightened of failure"?

Yes, it's a common emotion. The key is to manage this fear so it doesn't prevent you from pursuing your goals and taking necessary risks. Seeking support and developing coping strategies are helpful.