missing the mark

USAGE SUMMARY

"missing the mark" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe any situation in which someone fails to do something successfully or accurately. For example: "John's presentation was meant to impress the investors, but unfortunately, he missed the mark."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

BEN PROTESS MISSING THE MARK The nearly month-old Occupy Wall Street protest has apparently settled on a favorite target for their ire, Jamie Dimon, left.

The New York Times

The TV version, however, came close to missing the mark.

The New York Times - Arts

It's ill-advised, and it's missing the mark.

The Guardian - Books

Asked if missing the mark would represent failure, he said: "In a way, yes.

The Guardian - Sport

But the reality was even worse, missing the mark by $27 million.

The New York Times

Imperfections mean you are human, fallible, trying your best but sometimes missing the mark.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now he's pressing with his first serve, going for too much and missing the mark.

The Guardian - Sport

Lalenkov finished in 1 minute 47.39 seconds, barely missing the mark of 1 47.01.

The New York Times - Sports

How are the principles that Saatchi relied on during his advertising heyday missing the mark?

The Guardian - Opinion

Gingrich's approach to history is like his approach to politics — sloppy, undisciplined, occasionally brilliant, but more often missing the mark".

The New York Times

Perhaps he was aiming for a sort of Spectoresque wall-of-sound effect and slightly missing the mark.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "missing the mark" to describe situations where efforts or attempts don't achieve their intended goal. It's particularly effective when implying a slight error or misjudgment rather than complete failure.

Common error

While "missing the mark" is widely understood, it can sound too casual in formal or academic writing. In these settings, consider alternatives like "falling short of expectations" or "failing to meet the objectives" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "missing the mark" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where something fails to achieve its intended goal or purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. It is widely used to express that an attempt, effort, or strategy did not succeed as planned.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "missing the mark" is a widely recognized and used idiom that describes the failure to achieve a desired outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, though it might be considered slightly informal in certain academic or professional settings. Its frequent appearance in news and media highlights its relevance in everyday communication. While alternatives like "falling short" or "off target" exist, "missing the mark" offers a unique blend of clarity and mild criticism, making it a versatile phrase for expressing disappointment or misjudgment. Remember to consider the context when choosing between "missing the mark" and more formal alternatives to ensure your message is both accurate and appropriately toned.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falling short

This alternative suggests a failure to reach a required standard or level.

off target

This alternative is a more literal expression of missing the intended goal or aim.

wide of the mark

This alternative emphasizes the extent to which the attempt deviated from the intended goal.

inaccurate

This alternative focuses on the lack of precision or correctness in the attempt.

erroneous

This alternative points to a mistake or error in the process.

incorrect

This alternative is a general term for something that is not right or true.

miscalculated

This alternative indicates a failure in planning or estimation.

failed to achieve

This alternative highlights the lack of success in reaching a specific objective.

not up to par

This alternative suggests that something did not meet the expected standards.

deficient

This alternative indicates a lack of something necessary or desirable.

FAQs

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

You can use "missing the mark" to describe situations where something fails to achieve its intended goal. For example, "The marketing campaign, unfortunately, ended up "missing the mark"".

What are some alternatives to "missing the mark"?

You can use alternatives like "falling short", "off target", or "inaccurate" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "missing the mark" or "failed"?

While both indicate a lack of success, "missing the mark" implies a slight error or misjudgment. "Failed" is a stronger term suggesting complete lack of success. The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of failure.

What does the idiom "missing the mark" mean?

The idiom "missing the mark" means failing to achieve the desired result or outcome. It suggests that an attempt was made, but it didn't quite hit the target or meet expectations.