it was failing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was failing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or object that was not functioning properly in the past. Example: "The project was on the verge of collapse because it was failing to meet the deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

We asked what the EU was for, what it did well, and where it was failing its 500 million citizens.

The Guardian

It would feel it was failing in its duty as a public-service broadcaster (let alone in its chase for ratings and public approval) if it didn't.

Independent

Two months ago the Sun ran a story reporting comments by former culture minister David Lammy who said the BBC's lack of BAME talent meant it was "failing in its duty to reflect modern Britain".

The Guardian

However, after a troubled time in 2002, critics felt it was failing and its controversial chairman, Ivan Massow, was sacked after describing most contemporary art as "pretentious, self-indulgent craftless tat that I wouldn't accept even as a gift".

The Guardian

It was failing too in its foreign relations, pushed into an alliance with the country it trusted least.

The Guardian

This week, EU finance ministers said they would withhold half a billion euros in funding for Hungary from next year because it was failing to get its budget deficit under control and violating EU rules on fiscal rigour.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Opinion

The system failed me then and it's failing others now.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

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

BMC Health Services Research

But it is failing to make the most of its largest conurbations.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was failing", ensure the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to. Maintaining clarity will help avoid ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it was failing" in consecutive sentences without explicitly restating what "it" represents. This can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was failing" typically functions as part of a clause, often serving as the predicate. It describes the state of something not meeting expectations or functioning correctly. As Ludwig AI shows, it is frequently used in news reports and academic discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was failing" is a versatile phrase used to describe the past state of something not functioning as intended. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent occurrence in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in referencing "it" and consider synonyms like "it was unsuccessful" or "it was underperforming" for nuanced expressions. Proper usage, as seen in many examples, involves clear contextual reference and mindful construction to avoid ambiguity, making it effective for conveying critical assessments and evaluations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was unsuccessful

Emphasizes the lack of a positive outcome or achievement.

it was underperforming

Highlights that the entity was not meeting expected performance levels.

it was falling short

Indicates that it did not reach a required standard or goal.

it was deficient

Focuses on a specific lack or shortage in quality or quantity.

it was inadequate

Stresses that it was not sufficient for the intended purpose.

it was proving ineffective

Highlights that the approach or method was not producing the desired result.

it was malfunctioning

Specifically indicates that something was not working correctly.

it was not up to par

Indicates that it didn't meet the required level or standard of quality.

it was deteriorating

Suggests a decline in condition or quality over time.

it was collapsing

Emphasizes a complete breakdown or failure.

FAQs

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

Use "it was failing" to describe something that was not functioning as intended or meeting expectations. For example, "The business model "it was failing" to generate sufficient revenue."

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

You can use alternatives such as "it was unsuccessful", "it was underperforming", or "it was inadequate", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "it was failing" or "it failed"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "It was failing" implies a process or ongoing state of decline, while "it failed" indicates a completed event of failure.

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

"It was failing" refers to something that was not succeeding in the past. "It is failing" refers to something that is not succeeding in the present. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the time frame you are describing.