miss the mark

USAGE SUMMARY

"miss the mark" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that fails to meet a certain standard. For example: "His performance on the test really missed the mark compared to his usual scores."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To Miss The Mark 11. Die Swimming In The Sea Here.

Vice

Both arguments miss the mark.

The New York Times

Such gripes miss the mark.

The Economist

Some scenes miss the mark.

The Economist

Such observations miss the mark.

The New York Times

But again I slightly miss the mark.

The Economist

Yet such answers would miss the mark.

The New York Times

Occasional suggestions miss the mark.

The New York Times - Travel

These complaints miss the mark.

The New York Times

The salad dressings also miss the mark.

The New York Times

Every few years, experts miss the mark.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "miss the mark", ensure the context clearly indicates what the intended target or goal was. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While "miss the mark" is a useful idiom, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "fall short" or "be inaccurate" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "miss the mark" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It is used to describe the act of failing to achieve a desired outcome or to meet a certain standard. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Social Media

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiomatic phrase "miss the mark" is a versatile expression used to describe a failure to achieve a desired outcome or to meet a certain standard. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. With a neutral register, it finds frequent use in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. Synonyms like "fall short" or "be off target" can offer stylistic variation. Understanding the intended target or goal is crucial for clear communication when employing this phrase. As a common idiom, it is important to consider various alternatives to improve writing style and engage readers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be off target

This alternative emphasizes a failure to hit a specific goal or objective.

be wide of the mark

Similar to "be off target", this emphasizes a significant deviation from the intended goal.

fall short

This alternative implies a failure to reach a required standard or expectation.

not come up to scratch

This alternative means failing to meet the required standard or expectation.

fail to achieve the goal

This alternative explicitly states the failure to accomplish the intended outcome.

not measure up

This implies a failure to meet a certain level or standard of quality.

be inaccurate

This focuses on a lack of precision or correctness.

prove inadequate

This suggests that something is insufficient or not good enough for a particular purpose.

get it wrong

This alternative is more informal and suggests a mistake or error.

draw a blank

This means that the expected result was nothing.

FAQs

How can I use "miss the mark" in a sentence?

You can use "miss the mark" to describe something that fails to achieve its intended goal or target. For example, "The company's marketing campaign completely "missed the mark" and failed to attract new customers."

What are some alternatives to "miss the mark"?

Some alternatives to "miss the mark" include "fall short", "be off target", and "be inaccurate". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it acceptable to use "miss the mark" in formal writing?

Yes, "miss the mark" is generally acceptable in formal writing, although it may be more common in less formal contexts. Consider the tone of your writing and choose the most appropriate phrasing.

What's the difference between "miss the mark" and "miss the point"?

"Miss the mark" refers to failing to achieve a specific goal or target, while "miss the point" refers to failing to understand the central idea or argument. Although related, they are used in distinct contexts.