historic failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "historic failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or notable failure in a particular context, often in historical or impactful situations. Example: "The company's decision to ignore market trends led to a historic failure that changed the industry landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

That, for me, is the big historic failure.

The Guardian

First, the historic failure to clamp down on those inciting hatred.

Independent

That could turn out to be a historic failure of leadership.

The New Yorker

Under Labour's plans, companies would be liable for historic failure to cut prices when wholesale costs have gone down.

The Guardian - Money

We're in the midst of a Great Dereliction — a historic failure of leadership, precisely when we need it most.

Harvard Business Review

"It's a shame Cornell is scapegoating freshman pledges to cover up its own historic failure to effectively deal with alcohol use in the Greek system," said Mr. Schlather.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

It's one of Labour's great historic failures that nurtures Ukip's appeal.

The Guardian

But some well-known historic failures have made these businesses generally more enlightened.

Harvard Business Review

And he said the disappointing budget picture reflected the state's historic failures in managing its finances.

The New York Times

Redressing the profound historic failures in relation to women means having to take special steps and the government should be upfront about this.

The Guardian

In addition to active rock slope failures they include two major historic failures, the Hope Slide, which occurred in British Columbia in 1965 and the Randa rockslides which occurred in Switzerland in 1991.

Geomorphology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "historic failure", ensure the context clearly establishes the event's lasting impact and relevance. Provide specific details to support why the failure is considered "historic".

Common error

Avoid labeling an event as a "historic failure" if its long-term consequences are not yet evident or if its impact is relatively limited. Reserve the term for failures with demonstrable and enduring effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "historic failure" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and characterizes a particular event or situation as a failure of historical significance. According to Ludwig AI, it's a usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "historic failure" is a powerful expression used to describe events or actions with significant, lasting, and negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency and prevalence in sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and BBC highlight its importance in conveying the magnitude of certain events. When employing this phrase, it's important to ensure the context clearly supports the claim that the failure is indeed "historic," meaning it has had a lasting impact that transcends its immediate consequences. While alternatives such as "monumental blunder" or "significant setback" can be used, "historic failure" emphasizes the enduring relevance and the lessons learned from past mistakes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

historic mistake

Synonymous, using "mistake" instead of "failure".

landmark failure

Highlights the significance and recognition of the failure.

monumental blunder

Emphasizes the scale and impact of the error.

significant setback

Focuses on the hindering effect on progress.

major debacle

Highlights the chaotic and embarrassing nature of the failure.

unprecedented collapse

Stresses the uniqueness and suddenness of the failure.

critical mismanagement

Points to poor handling as the cause of the failure.

grave error in judgment

Emphasizes the flawed decision-making process.

severe miscalculation

Highlights the inaccurate assessment of a situation.

colossal misjudgment

Emphasizes the large scale of the error of judgment.

FAQs

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

You can use "historic failure" to describe a significant event that had negative consequences with lasting impact, such as, "The economic policies implemented during that era are now viewed as a "historic failure"".

What are some alternatives to "historic failure"?

Alternatives include "monumental blunder", "significant setback", or "major debacle", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "historic failure" is appropriate for formal writing when describing an event with significant historical consequences. However, ensure the context justifies the use of such a strong term.

What distinguishes a "historic failure" from a regular failure?

A "historic failure" implies that the failure had a profound and lasting impact, shaping future events or perceptions. A regular failure may be significant, but its consequences are not as far-reaching or enduring.