less likely to fail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less likely to fail" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the probability of success or reliability of a system, process, or item. Example: "This new software update makes the application less likely to fail during critical operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Heavy duty bags like leaf and yard waste bags are more durable and less likely to fail when used.

WikiHow

One is to make big banks less likely to fail.

The New York Times

If they are more engaged, they are less likely to fail or quit a course.

Cornell University

I think that Seattle's offense is less likely to fail than the Broncos' defense.

The Guardian - Sport

Higher pressure makes tires less likely to fail and allows them to carry more weight.

The New York Times

When women are present, peace agreements are 64% less likely to fail.

The Guardian

And they are 33% less likely to fail than the ones who go all in.

Harvard Business Review

But today's stapling technique is less likely to fail than that used in the earlier restriction operations.

The New York Times

Deposit insurance is triggered when a bank fails, which means banks are less likely to fail in the first place.

The Economist

The IUD and other LARCs don't require consistent, correct daily use, so they're easier to use and less likely to fail.

Stanford University

The same academic research deemed family firms less likely to fail than big companies, with a diverse board of directors minimising the risk of bankruptcy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two options, use "less likely to fail" to highlight the option with a higher probability of success or reliability. For instance, "Using this method is "less likely to fail" than the traditional approach."

Common error

While "less likely to fail" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "more reliable" or "less risky" when speaking with friends or in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less likely to fail" functions as a descriptive modifier, indicating a reduced probability of failure. It is used to assess the relative reliability or success rate of different options or approaches. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

36%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less likely to fail" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a reduced probability of failure. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is acceptable in written English and is used to assess the reliability of systems, processes, or items. It's frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academia sources, indicating its versatility across various registers. While perfectly suitable for formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "more reliable" or "lower risk" in more casual settings. The expert rating of 4.5 reflects its grammatical correctness, source authority, and usage consistency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less prone to failure

Focuses on inherent susceptibility to failure, emphasizing a natural tendency.

less susceptible to failure

Highlights reduced vulnerability to conditions that cause failure.

less liable to fail

Indicates a diminished legal or moral obligation to fail, suggesting external pressures are reduced.

has a lower risk of failure

Quantifies the likelihood of failure, making it more concrete and measurable.

enjoys a reduced chance of failing

Emphasizes the positive aspect of having a lower probability of failure.

less at risk of failing

Stresses the diminished danger or hazard associated with potential failure.

more likely to succeed

Shifts the focus from avoiding failure to achieving success, offering a positive spin.

demonstrates higher reliability

Highlights the quality of consistent performance and dependability.

exhibits improved robustness

Emphasizes the ability to withstand adverse conditions and maintain functionality.

has a better safety record

Focuses specifically on safety, indicating a history of avoiding failures that lead to harm or damage.

FAQs

How can I use "less likely to fail" in a sentence?

Use "less likely to fail" to compare options or strategies, highlighting the one with a higher chance of success. Example: "A diversified investment portfolio is "less likely to" fail than investing in a single stock."

What are some alternatives to "less likely to fail"?

You can use alternatives like "more reliable", "lower risk", or "greater chance of success" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "less likely to fail" or "more likely to succeed"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "more likely to succeed" presents a more positive framing, while "less likely to fail" focuses on risk mitigation. Choose the phrase that best suits the tone and emphasis of your writing.

What does it mean for something to be "less likely to fail"?

When something is "less likely to fail", it means that, based on available evidence or analysis, it has a reduced probability of not achieving its intended outcome or breaking down under expected conditions.