lack of success

USAGE SUMMARY

"lack of success" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone or something has not achieved the desired level of achievement, accomplishment, or progress. Example: Despite her hard work and determination, her lack of success in the job market was disheartening.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I remind them of their lack of success.

The Guardian - Arts

Tells about the painter's sad life and lack of success.

The New Yorker

She wasn't frustrated by a lack of success.

The New York Times - Sports

The reasons for his lack of success are numerous.

The Washington Post

Afonso's lack of success caused him to announce his abdication.

Britannica

But does Wenger's lack of success undermine his philosophy?

The New York Times

Does his lack of success bother him as much as his fans think?

The Guardian - Music

Not only that, but why can't he provide any reason behind my lack of success?

The Guardian

But Donnan was fired largely because of his lack of success when playing Georgia's biggest rivals.

The New York Times - Sports

Papadogeorgou and Konstantinou believe their lack of success is down to Greek attitudes towards social enterprise.

The Guardian

Lack of success sent them to Geneva where Peter had a job as a file clerk.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing reasons for setbacks, use "lack of success" to objectively describe the situation without assigning blame or emotional weight. This ensures a neutral and professional tone.

Common error

In casual conversations or less formal writing, avoid relying heavily on "lack of success". Opt for more relatable and expressive alternatives such as "didn't work out" or "failed" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of success" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the absence of a positive outcome or the failure to achieve a desired goal. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack of success" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the absence of desired outcomes or achievements. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals that it's primarily used in neutral contexts, especially in News & Media and Science, to objectively discuss setbacks or analyze performance. While "failure" can be a synonym, "lack of success" often conveys a more neutral tone. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "failure to achieve goals" or "absence of achievement", tailoring your choice to the specific context. Understanding the nuances of "lack of success" will enhance your writing and provide clarity when discussing challenging situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failure to achieve goals

This alternative highlights the failure to reach specific objectives, emphasizing the unfulfilled aspirations.

absence of achievement

This emphasizes the non-existence of accomplishments, focusing on the void of positive results.

unsuccessful attempt

This focuses on a specific effort that did not yield the desired outcome.

deficiency in accomplishment

This suggests a shortfall or inadequacy in the level of attainment.

shortcoming in attainment

This emphasizes a specific weakness or flaw in the process of achieving something.

fruitless effort

This highlights the lack of positive results despite expending effort.

abortive outcome

This suggests a premature ending or failure to fully develop and succeed.

ineffectual endeavor

This focuses on the inability of an attempt to produce the desired effect or result.

non-fulfillment of objectives

This underscores the failure to meet targets or intended outcomes.

want of prosperity

This implies a scarcity or absence of thriving or flourishing conditions.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "lack of success"?

Consider using alternatives such as "failure to achieve goals", "absence of achievement", or "unsuccessful attempt" depending on the specific context.

What does "lack of success" imply?

The phrase "lack of success" implies that a desired outcome was not achieved, regardless of effort. It's a neutral way to state that goals were not met. It does not necessarily imply a flaw or incompetence.

Is it better to say "failure" or "lack of success"?

The choice depends on the tone you want to convey. "Failure" often carries a stronger, more negative connotation, suggesting a complete breakdown. "Lack of success" is generally more neutral and can simply indicate that the intended goals were not met without implying complete defeat.

What are the common reasons for a "lack of success"?

Reasons for a "lack of success" can range from insufficient resources or poor planning to unforeseen circumstances or external factors. Identifying the underlying causes is crucial for learning from the experience and improving future strategies.