has failed to impress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has failed to impress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's performance or an experience that did not meet expectations. Example: "Despite the hype surrounding the new movie, it has failed to impress critics and audiences alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

So far, however, Itanium has failed to impress.

The Economist

The government's response has failed to impress advocates like Ms. Josiah of the Women's Aid Organization.

The New York Times

(That these claims have been thoroughly debunked has failed to impress them).

The New Yorker

Martinez, however, has failed to impress at his new club, notching just three goals in 12 appearances.

Independent

And not only is the federal government unpopular, but the provincial one, run by the Liberals, has failed to impress.

The Economist

The Turkish international is at the club on loan from Real Madrid, but has failed to impress, making just seven appearances in the league and scoring one goal.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The quarterback position is most notably Tampa Bay's biggest area to address as both Mike Glennon and Josh McCown have failed to impress this year.

Independent

But while cuts have been made to human services and bus routes, they have failed to impress Wall Street.

The New York Times

He had arrived feeling sore that his unpublished novel, "The Temptation of Saint Anthony", with which he meant to astound the literary world, had failed to impress his friends.

The Economist

The 26-year-old is on a season-long loan with Juve, having failed to impress in his first season at Anfield after joining from Roma.

Independent

Fine pieces such as the schist "green" head of a man could not have failed to impress the observer from the Ptolemaic court or the later Roman administration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has failed to impress", ensure you clearly identify what or who was expected to be impressed and why. Providing context strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "has failed to impress" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language to convey the specific shortcoming or deficiency.

Linguistic Context

Predicative expression. The phrase "has failed to impress" functions as part of the predicate in a sentence, indicating a lack of positive effect or influence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct. It describes a subject's inability to create a favorable impression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has failed to impress" is a grammatically correct phrase commonly used to express a lack of positive impact or admiration. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from various sources. While versatile, it is most frequently found in News & Media and leans toward a neutral register. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "has not lived up to expectations" or "has fallen short". Remember to provide context to enhance the effectiveness of your statement. "Has failed to impress" is a solid choice for conveying disappointment or criticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been underwhelming

Emphasizes a disappointing or unremarkable experience.

has not made an impact

Focuses on the lack of influence or effect, rather than specifically failing to impress.

has left something to be desired

A polite way of saying that something was not completely satisfactory.

has not lived up to expectations

Highlights the discrepancy between anticipation and actual performance.

has fallen short

A more general expression indicating a failure to reach a required standard.

has not won over

Implies a failure to convince or persuade someone.

has not resonated with

Indicates a lack of emotional connection or agreement.

has missed the mark

Indicates a failure to achieve the intended target or goal.

has proven ineffective

Focuses on the lack of desired results or outcomes.

has not gained traction

Suggests a failure to gain popularity or support.

FAQs

What does "has failed to impress" mean?

It means something or someone has not created a positive or favorable impression, typically falling short of expectations or lacking the desired impact.

What can I say instead of "has failed to impress"?

You can use alternatives like "has not lived up to expectations", "has fallen short", or "has been underwhelming" depending on the context.

Is "has failed to impress" formal or informal?

It leans towards a neutral to slightly informal register. In highly formal contexts, consider more precise alternatives.

How do I use "has failed to impress" in a sentence?

Use it to describe something that did not make a positive impact, for example, "The new product "has failed to impress" consumers with its lack of innovation."