great failures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great failures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe significant or notable failures in various contexts, such as history, business, or personal experiences. Example: "The company learned valuable lessons from its great failures, which ultimately led to its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Great Firewalls are great failures.

The Guardian - Tech

"There have only been great failures".

The Guardian - Books

This is one of the great failures of corporate governance.

The New York Times

Ebbsfleet deserves to rank among the great failures of central command planning.

The Guardian - Opinion

Delivered as a satire on America's bicentenary, this was one of the great failures of Newman's career.

The Guardian - Film

"Francis will … earn his sombre niche in sporting history among the great failures," said the Guardian at the time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As it turned out, the acoustics were one of the building's great failures (until a 2007 revamp).

The Guardian - Arts

"Historically, the great failures in banking have led to very, very long periods of recession at best.

The Guardian

These two great failures by the old parties are, after all, the reason we need Lib Dems.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Historically the great failures in banking have led to very, very long periods of recession at best," said the archbishop, a former oil company executive.

The New York Times

But the objects of their outcries — taxes, deficits, immigration and supposed violations of the Constitution — are of far less consequence than the great failures that plague the nation.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "great failures" when you want to emphasize the magnitude and impact of the failures, rather than simply acknowledging mistakes or shortcomings.

Common error

While "great failures" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "big mistakes" or "major slip-ups" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great failures" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "great" modifies the noun "failures". It identifies notable and significant instances of failure, often carrying a sense of importance or impact. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "great failures" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote significant setbacks or blunders. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across various domains, primarily in news and media, academic writing, and formal business contexts. While its usage is widespread, it's essential to consider the specific context and select the most appropriate synonym to maintain the desired tone and emphasis. Overusing the phrase in informal settings should be avoided for more natural alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant setbacks

Highlights the hindering aspect of the failures.

grave missteps

Underscores the seriousness of the mistakes.

major shortcomings

Emphasizes flaws or deficiencies rather than complete failure.

notable downfalls

Highlights the act of falling from a higher status.

colossal blunders

Focuses on the scale and severity of the mistakes.

monumental errors

Stresses the size and impact of the errors.

spectacular collapses

Implies a dramatic and noticeable downfall.

complete debacles

Emphasizes the chaotic and humiliating nature of the failures.

catastrophic defeats

Focuses on the disastrous outcome of the failures.

utter disappointments

Highlights the feeling of disillusionment resulting from the failures.

FAQs

How can I use "great failures" in a sentence?

You can use "great failures" to describe significant setbacks or mistakes, as in "The company learned from its "great failures" and implemented new strategies".

What are some alternatives to saying "great failures"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "major shortcomings", "significant setbacks", or "colossal blunders".

Is it appropriate to use "great failures" in formal writing?

Yes, "great failures" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing significant historical events, business decisions, or policy outcomes. However, consider the specific tone and audience of your writing.

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

"Great failures" implies a substantial negative impact and widespread consequences, while "minor mistakes" refers to smaller, less consequential errors.