margin of failure

USAGE SUMMARY

"margin of failure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the degree of difficulty a person or thing has in achieving a desired result. For example, "The students experienced a narrow margin of failure on the final exam, with very few questions answered incorrectly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Markets are likely to become increasingly nervous on the issue, and lack confidence in polling data following the margin of failure to predict the UK general election 2015 outcome by a wide margin," said Fordham and Saunders.

The Guardian - Business

As the margin of failure to Chelsea and Manchester City in those campaigns were a single point and goal difference respectively, the sharp lurches in form experienced during David Moyes' debut term in charge have come as something of a shock.

Independent

"The margin of failure and success is so minute in our sport".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The performance of the operator is translated to two metrics – margin-of-failure and available-time to respond to process events – which can be calculated using process operations data that can be generated from training simulator based studies.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

The purpose of the present work, which has been divided in three parts, was then to assess the ultimate ALFRED safety margins against failure of the key core components and systems (Part III).

Progress in Nuclear Energy

Last year it told policyholders that life insurers did not run a risk of failure unless their solvency margin, measuring their capital adequacy, fell below 200%.

The Economist

They achieved 100% success with wide excision (clearance margin of 5 mm or more), 28% failure rate with marginal resection, and a total failure with local debulking and intralesional biopsy [ 41].

BioMed Research International

In addition, the influence of residual stresses on the safety margin against fatigue failure in a shakedown diagram was examined.

International Journal of Fatigue

However, in the recurrent setting, radiosurgery is an FDA-approved treatment modality, but progression at the margin of the target is a ubiquitous pattern of failure.

Cancer Management and Research

A histologically-confirmed positive margin for severe dysplasia or greater histological change, either at the intraoperative or paraffin sample assessment, will count as failure of the 'first pass' margin (surgical failure).

BMC Cancer

Using Monte Carlo simulations, Celestino et al. (2006) obtained the margin of safety of tunnel structure to evaluate the probability of failure according to load and resistance factor design principles for the failure modes.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering (IJASE)

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing predictions or forecasts, use "margin of failure" to acknowledge the inherent uncertainty and potential for inaccurate results. This demonstrates a balanced and realistic perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "margin of failure" interchangeably with "margin of error" in statistical contexts. While related, "margin of error" specifically refers to statistical imprecision, whereas "margin of failure" has a broader meaning related to the potential for unsuccessful outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "margin of failure" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the degree to which something might fail or the allowance for error within a process or system. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase refers to the difficulty a person or thing has in achieving a desired result.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

67%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "margin of failure" is a grammatically sound and usable term, referring to the degree of difficulty in achieving a desired result, or the risk of not succeeding. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While not exceedingly common, it finds relevance in both news/media and scientific domains. Recognizing the potential for error, or the acknowledgement of a "margin of failure", promotes realism in planning. Related phrases include "risk of failure" and "probability of failing". When using the phrase, it’s important to consider the context, avoiding confusion with purely statistical terms like "margin of error".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

risk of failure

Focuses specifically on the risk associated with potential failure.

probability of failing

Highlights the likelihood or chance that failure will occur.

chance of error

Emphasizes the possibility of mistakes or errors leading to failure.

potential for failure

Indicates the inherent susceptibility to failure in a given situation.

possibility of defeat

Specifically addresses the chance of being defeated or unsuccessful.

failure threshold

Refers to the point at which failure becomes inevitable.

critical failure point

Highlights the specific point where failure is most likely or impactful.

consequences of failing

Shifts the focus to the negative outcomes associated with failure.

downside risk

Highlights the potential losses or negative consequences.

likelihood of mishap

Emphasizes the probability of an accident or unfortunate event.

FAQs

How is "margin of failure" used in risk assessment?

In risk assessment, "margin of failure" indicates the potential for a system, process, or plan to not meet its intended goals. It helps in identifying vulnerabilities and planning for contingencies, acknowledging the "probability of failing".

What's the difference between "margin of failure" and "failure rate"?

"Margin of failure" generally refers to the degree to which something might fail or the allowed deviation from perfect success. "Failure rate", on the other hand, is a quantifiable measure of how often something fails within a given timeframe or sample.

Can "margin of failure" be a positive thing?

While failure is generally seen as negative, acknowledging a "margin of failure" can be positive. It promotes realistic planning and helps in setting achievable goals by understanding potential pitfalls and the "risk of failure".

What are some situations where considering the "margin of failure" is important?

Considering the "margin of failure" is crucial in fields like engineering, finance, and project management. For example, when designing a bridge, engineers must account for a "margin of failure" to ensure safety under extreme conditions. Similarly, in finance, understanding the potential for losses is key to informed investment decisions.