missed the mark

USAGE SUMMARY

"missed the mark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation when something failed to achieve the desired result. For example: "John tried his best, but he still missed the mark on his final exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

What missed the mark?

The New York Times

It missed the mark and we apologize.

Independent

"It missed the mark and we apologise.

Independent

A few dishes missed the mark.

The New York Times

Another combination missed the mark, though.

The New York Times

In practice it missed the mark.

The New York Times - Arts

When the kitchen pushed too hard, it missed the mark.

The New York Times

The "impossible coconut custard," though, missed the mark.

The New York Times

So who got it right and who missed the mark?

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Both arguments miss the mark.

The New York Times

Some scenes miss the mark.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "missed the mark" when you want to convey that an attempt or effort did not achieve its intended goal, particularly when there was a specific target or expectation. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Don't use "missed the mark" in contexts where a literal target is involved (e.g., archery). This phrase is idiomatic and refers to failing to achieve a goal, not a physical target.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "missed the mark" functions as an idiomatic expression, serving as a predicate to describe when something fails to achieve its intended goal or objective. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig showcase its wide use across diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "missed the mark" is a versatile and frequently used idiomatic expression that signifies a failure to achieve the intended goal. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically sound and fit for use in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, making it suitable for general and professional communication. When using "missed the mark", ensure you're referring to a failure in achieving a conceptual target rather than a literal one. Alternatives like "fell short" or "failed to deliver" can be used in more formal situations. Remember that the phrase works well to convey feedback or to explain failure to achieve a goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fell short

Implies a failure to reach a required standard or expectation, suggesting a deficiency in performance or quality.

didn't measure up

Suggests that something failed to meet the necessary criteria or standard, often implying a comparison to something else.

failed to deliver

Emphasizes the failure to provide something that was promised or expected, highlighting a breach of commitment.

came up short

Indicates a lack of success or achievement, often implying a narrow margin of failure or a close attempt.

was unsuccessful

A general term for failing to achieve a desired outcome, lacking the idiomatic flavor of the original phrase.

proved inadequate

Suggests that something was not sufficient or suitable for a particular purpose, highlighting its lack of capability.

didn't cut it

An informal way of saying that something was not good enough or effective, suggesting a lack of quality or competence.

bombed

An informal and dramatic way of saying something failed spectacularly.

floundered

Suggests struggling and failing to progress or succeed, often implying a lack of direction or competence.

gone awry

Implies a deviation from the intended course or plan, resulting in failure or undesirable consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "missed the mark" to describe situations where an attempt failed to achieve its intended goal. For example, "The company's marketing campaign "missed the mark" and failed to attract new customers."

What's a more formal alternative to "missed the mark"?

In more formal contexts, you can use phrases like "failed to deliver" or "fell short" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "missed the mark" appropriate for professional communication?

Yes, "missed the mark" is generally acceptable in professional communication, especially when providing feedback or evaluating performance. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of the message to ensure it's appropriate. Less idiomatic alternatives might be preferred in highly formal settings.

What's the difference between "missed the mark" and "overshot the mark"?

"Missed the mark" means failing to reach the target, while "overshot the mark" implies exceeding the target, often with unintended consequences. They describe opposite outcomes.