glorious failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glorious failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where an attempt was unsuccessful but is viewed positively due to the effort or lessons learned. Example: "Despite not winning the competition, the team's innovative approach was a glorious failure that inspired others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Glorious failure.

The New York Times - Sports

It was glorious failure.

The Guardian - Sport

They had even been denied glorious failure.

The Guardian - Sport

It was glorious failure in Nantes.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is going to end in glorious failure isn't it?" says Guy Hornsby.

The Guardian - Sport

Vallance's admirable ambition is to abandon the left's traditional predilection for narratives of glorious failure.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Glorious failures are always more interesting than unambitious successes.

The Guardian - Books

As ever, it was the glorious failures which will be the most talked about.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Give them a playground, let them make mistakes, and give them time: they'll generate glorious failures and unprecedented moneyspinners.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is one hell of a start from England" says clairvoyance's Nick Roberts, "although years of conditioning to glorious failures means I'm still expecting Australia to overcome our plucky underdogs in the last 10-20 mins.

The Guardian - Sport

Looking back, Bowie has become a kind of touchstone for that past, its glories and its glorious failures, but also for some kind of constancy in the present and for the possibility of a future, even the demand for a better future.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glorious failure" to describe situations where the attempt, despite failing, provides valuable lessons or inspires others due to the ambition or effort involved.

Common error

Ensure that the situation genuinely involves significant effort, ambition, or a noble cause. Avoid using the phrase to excuse or romanticize situations arising from lack of preparation or skill.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glorious failure" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "glorious" modifies the noun "failure". It is used to describe a situation where something fails, but in a way that is still admirable or praiseworthy. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

30%

Books

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "glorious failure" is a commonly used expression that describes a situation where an attempt is unsuccessful but viewed positively due to the effort, ambition, or lessons learned. As Ludwig confirms, this oxymoronic phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, most notably in news, sports, and literature. While it's important to avoid romanticizing incompetence, the term is useful for highlighting the value and potential inspiration derived from even unsuccessful endeavors. When using "glorious failure", remember to emphasize the admirable aspects of the attempt and the lessons it provides.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heroic defeat

Focuses on the bravery and admirable qualities displayed despite the loss.

noble failure

Highlights the high-minded intentions and moral character associated with the unsuccessful attempt.

valiant effort in vain

Emphasizes the courage and strength of the effort, while acknowledging the lack of success.

admirable setback

Focuses on the positive qualities of the attempt, even if it resulted in a negative outcome.

triumphant loss

Suggests that there were elements of victory or achievement even in defeat.

epic fail with honor

Highlights a memorable or significant failure done with integrity.

resounding flop with redeeming qualities

Acknowledges a significant failure but points out positive aspects that make it worthwhile.

spectacularly unsuccessful but memorable

Focuses on the striking nature of the failure and its lasting impact.

magnificent mishap

Uses contrasting terms to describe a failure that is impressive in some way.

brilliant blunder

Highlights the intelligence or skill involved in the failure, suggesting it was not due to incompetence.

FAQs

How can I use "glorious failure" in a sentence?

Use "glorious failure" to describe a situation where an endeavor didn't succeed, but valuable lessons were learned, or the attempt itself was commendable. For example: "The experiment was a "glorious failure", providing crucial data for future research."

What can I say instead of "glorious failure"?

You can use alternatives like "heroic defeat", "noble failure", or "valiant effort in vain" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "glorious failure" an oxymoron?

Yes, "glorious failure" is an oxymoron, a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms. Its effectiveness lies in highlighting the paradox of finding something positive in a defeat.

When is it appropriate to use the term "glorious failure"?

It's appropriate when the failure is accompanied by admirable qualities such as courage, innovation, or significant learning. It should not be used to excuse incompetence or lack of effort.