it did not succeed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it did not succeed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an attempt or effort was unsuccessful. Example: "Despite their best efforts, it did not succeed in achieving the desired outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

ConAgra Foods tried to assure investors on Thursday that its future would be bright even if it did not succeed in buying Ralcorp Holdings, which has already turned down ConAgra twice.

The New York Times

It did not succeed.

The Guardian

If that was Stratasys's intent, it did not succeed.

The New Yorker

In 1895, Hawaiian royalists began a coup against the republic, but it did not succeed.

The New York Times

Yet the saving grace of Soviet propaganda was that it did not succeed.

The Economist

That it did not succeed is to be attributed to Alfred's tenacity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

But it didn't succeed in its effort, because it overlooked the essence of Toyota's system: a belief in employees' problem-solving skills.

Harvard Business Review

"If it didn't succeed, they'd say women can't coach men".

The Guardian - Sport

"It didn't succeed in Lebanon," said Amit, who served in the Israeli air force during the 1973 Mideast war.

The Washington Post

It didn't succeed because it was absolutely crazy, but when you tell it as a story you laugh".

The Guardian - Books

In New York, we're more strategic: yes, it didn't succeed but you made a really great thing.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it did not succeed", ensure that the subject (the 'it') is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it did not succeed" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using active voice constructions or more descriptive verbs to describe the failure. For example, instead of saying "The project did not succeed", try "The project failed to meet its objectives".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it did not succeed" primarily functions as a declarative statement indicating a lack of achievement or a failed outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound construction for conveying that an attempt or action was unsuccessful. The examples show its use in varied contexts, all consistently expressing this sense of failure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it did not succeed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a lack of success or a failed outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used across a broad range of contexts, including news media, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. While it's appropriate for both formal and informal settings, varying your language and avoiding overuse can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing. Considering alternatives such as "it failed" or "it was unsuccessful" can help prevent redundancy and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was unsuccessful

Replaces "succeed" with "unsuccessful", directly indicating a lack of success.

it failed

A shorter, more direct synonym for not succeeding.

it didn't work out

More informal, suggesting a plan or attempt didn't produce the intended result.

it came to nothing

Emphasizes the lack of a positive outcome or result.

it proved fruitless

Highlights that the effort expended yielded no valuable result.

it was in vain

Suggests the effort was ultimately useless and without effect.

it fell short

Indicates that the attempt did not reach the required standard or goal.

it missed the mark

Implies that the attempt was inaccurate or misdirected.

it floundered

Suggests the attempt struggled and ultimately failed.

it was a bust

Informal term indicating a complete failure.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it did not succeed" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "it was unsuccessful", "it proved fruitless", or "it failed to achieve its objective".

What's a more direct way to say "it did not succeed"?

A more direct and concise way to express the same idea is to simply say "it failed".

Is there a difference in meaning between "it did not succeed" and "it was not successful"?

The phrases "it did not succeed" and "it was not successful" are largely interchangeable and carry the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.

When is it best to use "it did not succeed" over other similar phrases?

Use "it did not succeed" when you want to state a lack of success in a neutral and clear manner. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice. For more emphasis on the lack of value, consider "it was in vain".