gross failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gross failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or severe lack of success in a particular endeavor or task. Example: "The project was deemed a gross failure due to the numerous errors and lack of adherence to the timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

What a gross failure to anticipate, and to act.

The New York Times

The inquest on Luke concluded that no "gross failure" had been committed.

The Guardian

"It's a gross failure of responsibility," said the state's attorney general, Patrick C. Lynch.

The New York Times

He also castigated the government's "gross failure" to produce potentially exculpatory and other relevant information.

The New York Times

She said there had been no "gross failure" by the hospital.

The Guardian

The coroner made a finding of gross failure in the actions of Ipswich hospital.

The Guardian

This thermal fatigue loading propagates the crack until gross failure occurs or die becomes unusable.

Wear

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"The report lays bare the gross failures of the regulatory regime devised and driven by the shadow chancellor and his party," he said.

The Guardian - Business

The findings were published on Thursday, a week after a coroner condemned "gross failures" in the care of Richard Handley, who had Down's syndrome and died from constipation.

The Guardian

Unfavorable outcomes from trunnion fretting and corrosion damage have been reported in the literature, gross failures of tapers in primary total hip arthroplasties have been less frequently reported.

The Journal of Arthroplasty

Doncaster argues that acceptance into the First Division will represent an adequate penalty for the gross failures which led to the club's insolvency, and enable the bulk of the SPL's financial foundations to be maintained.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gross failure", ensure the context clearly indicates a significant and unacceptable level of deficiency. Be specific about what failed and the magnitude of the failure.

Common error

Avoid using "gross failure" for minor setbacks or simple mistakes. This phrase implies a severe level of incompetence or mismanagement, and its overuse can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gross failure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "gross" modifies the noun "failure". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe a significant and unacceptable level of deficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gross failure" is a frequently used noun phrase that denotes a significant and unacceptable level of deficiency. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing, primarily functioning to express strong disapproval or criticism. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, reflecting its usage in analyzing serious shortcomings. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants the severity it implies, avoiding its application to minor or trivial issues. While alternative phrases like "complete debacle" or "total catastrophe" exist, "gross failure" provides a clear and direct way to highlight substantial inadequacies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter collapse

Focuses on the complete breakdown or disintegration.

abject breakdown

Suggests a miserable and humiliating failure.

complete debacle

Emphasizes the chaotic and embarrassing nature of the failure.

total catastrophe

Highlights the disastrous consequences of the failure.

resounding defeat

Stresses the decisiveness and completeness of the failure.

spectacular fiasco

Draws attention to the public and embarrassing nature of the failure.

egregious mistake

Highlights the seriousness and offensiveness of the failure.

monumental blunder

Emphasizes the scale and impact of the error.

profound deficiency

Focuses on the significant lack or inadequacy.

substantial shortcoming

Indicates a notable inadequacy or defect.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "gross failure" in a sentence?

You can use "gross failure" to describe situations where there has been a significant lack of success or a severe error. For example, "The project was a "gross failure" due to poor planning and execution."

What are some alternatives to using "gross failure"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "complete debacle", "total catastrophe", or "utter collapse" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "gross failure" in formal writing?

Yes, "gross failure" can be used in formal writing, especially when describing serious shortcomings or significant errors in professional or academic contexts. However, ensure the tone remains objective and factual.

What distinguishes "gross failure" from a regular failure?

"Gross failure" implies a magnitude of error or deficiency that is significantly larger than a regular failure. It suggests a complete or near-complete lack of success, often with severe consequences. The adjective "gross" emphasizes the severity of the failure.