it is failing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is failing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a current state of something that is not functioning properly or not meeting expectations. Example: The new company policy is not working as intended, it is failing to address employee concerns.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Plaid Cymru AM Rhodri Glyn Thomas said the airport should be a gateway to Wales, but "it is failing entirely".

BBC

"Our education system has failed... and it is failing a lot of places across the United States.

BBC

But in its current guise, it is failing to do so.

The Guardian - Opinion

When a state neglects these obligations, it is failing in its duty to protect its citizens.

HuffPost

The government is publishing its strategy for tackling child poverty, amid claims it is failing to fulfil its legal duties.

BBC

"It is failing in its duty to strengthen public service broadcasting.

The Guardian

Budget cuts have meant it is failing in its duty to protect and improve fisheries, the charities claim.

BBC

According to de Burgh investigative journalists "are doing more than disagreeing with how society runs; they are pointing out that it is failing by its own standards.

European Journal of Futures Research

Unlike others in Europe, it is failing to put its weight behind export promotion, the charge goes.

The Economist

Inspectors are visiting the Isle of Wight council amid fears it is failing to help its schools raise standards.

BBC

Conversely, if it is failing to exploit opportunities, then its position moves progressively into the bottom right quadrant.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is failing", ensure that the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject early in the sentence or preceding sentences.

Common error

Be cautious of using "it is failing" repeatedly in accusatory tones, especially without providing specific evidence or constructive alternatives. Overuse can make your writing sound overly negative and less persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is failing" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing state of inadequacy or lack of success. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is failing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe an ongoing state of inadequacy or lack of success. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is frequently found in news reports, scientific analyses, and business contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what "it" refers to and avoid overuse in accusatory contexts without providing supporting evidence. Consider alternative phrases like "it's not succeeding" or "it's falling short" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's not succeeding

Emphasizes the lack of positive results or progress.

it's falling short

Highlights the inability to meet a required standard or expectation.

it is not working

Focuses on the ineffectiveness or malfunction of something.

it's proving inadequate

Stresses the insufficient or unsuitable nature of something.

it's not measuring up

Indicates the failure to reach a desired level or standard.

it's underperforming

Highlights the fact that something is doing worse than expected or predicted.

it is proving fruitless

Emphasizes the lack of any positive outcomes or results.

it's not delivering results

Focuses on the absence of expected or promised outcomes.

it's becoming ineffective

Suggests a gradual decline in the ability to produce the desired effect.

it's losing its effectiveness

Indicates a diminishing ability to achieve the intended purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "it is failing" in a sentence?

You can use "it is failing" to describe something not meeting expectations. For instance, "The project is behind schedule, "it is failing" to deliver on its promises."

What are some alternatives to saying "it is failing"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "it is not working", "it is underperforming", or "it is falling short".

Which is correct, "it is failing" or "it fails"?

"It is failing" describes a continuous or current state of failure, while "it fails" describes a general or habitual failure. For example, "The system is failing" implies ongoing issues, whereas "The system fails" might describe a design flaw.

What's the difference between "it is failing" and "it has failed"?

"It is failing" indicates an ongoing process of failure, while "it has failed" indicates a completed failure. For instance, "The experiment is failing" suggests there's still time to intervene, but "The experiment has failed" implies it's over.