likely to fail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely to fail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a high probability of failure in a given situation or context. Example: "Without proper funding, the project is likely to fail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Anything less is likely to fail.

The New York Times

Such a strategy seems likely to fail.

The Guardian

Sure, this idea is likely to fail.

The New Yorker

The stimulus is likely to fail.

The Guardian - Opinion

The campaign is more likely to fail than to succeed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The alien search, they add, is likely to fail.

The New York Times - Science

2) holding little prospect of success; unpromising; likely to fail.

The New York Times

One is to make big banks less likely to fail.

The New York Times

But that's precisely why they are likely to fail.

The New York Times

Use that to identify current ones likely to fail?

The New York Times

BME graduates trained abroad were even more likely to fail this exam.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likely to fail", ensure the context clearly identifies the entity or process that is prone to failure. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "likely to fail" when the possibility of failure is merely speculative or based on limited evidence. Use weaker terms like "might fail" or "could fail" to reflect uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely to fail" functions as a predictive adjective phrase, indicating a high probability or expectation of an unsuccessful outcome. Ludwig AI validates this usage with numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "likely to fail" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a high probability of failure. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across varied sources, particularly in news, science, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "bound to fail" or "doomed to fail" exist, "likely to fail" maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communications. When employing this phrase, ensure the subject at risk of failing is clearly identified and that the likelihood is based on reasonable evidence, not mere speculation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bound to fail

Emphasizes inevitability, suggesting failure is predetermined.

destined to fail

Implies that failure is unavoidable due to fate or circumstances.

certain to fail

Highlights the lack of doubt regarding the failure's occurrence.

doomed to failure

Suggests a grim and unavoidable prospect of failing.

has a high probability of failure

Uses statistical language to express the increased chance of an unsuccessful outcome.

at risk of failing

Indicates vulnerability and susceptibility to failure.

liable to fail

Similar to "likely", but can suggest a legal or moral responsibility for the failure.

on track to fail

Suggests current trajectory leads inevitably to failure unless corrected.

poised to fail

Highlights the readiness or imminence of the failure.

faces a strong chance of failing

Emphasizes the significant possibility of failure.

FAQs

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

You can use "likely to fail" to describe something with a high probability of not succeeding, such as, "The project is "likely to fail" without additional funding."

What is a stronger alternative to "likely to fail"?

Alternatives with a stronger connotation include "certain to fail", "doomed to fail", or "bound to fail", which imply a higher degree of certainty.

Which is more appropriate: "likely to fail" or "unlikely to succeed"?

"Likely to fail" and "unlikely to succeed" both convey a low probability of success. However, "likely to fail" emphasizes the negative outcome, while "unlikely to succeed" focuses on the absence of success. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended emphasis.

When should I use "likely to fail" instead of "possibly to fail"?

Use "likely to fail" when there is substantial evidence or reason to believe that something will not succeed. Use "possibly to fail" when there is only a chance, but not a strong indication, of failure.