my failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "my failure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing personal shortcomings or mistakes in various contexts, such as self-reflection or accountability. Example: "I have to accept my failure in meeting the project deadline, and I will learn from this experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's my failure.

The New York Times

And that's my failure.

The New York Times

"Perhaps that's my failure".

The Guardian - Books

I still regret my failure.

The Guardian

I couldn't understand my failure.

The New York Times

And my failure is representative.

The New York Times - Magazine

Addressing my failure to get more rest.

University of California, Berkeley

The issue was my failure to listen.

The New York Times - Magazine

If I fail, it is my failure, not the actor's".

The New York Times

Conclusion: My failure is not the fault of the app.

The New York Times

My failure until now had been a secret shame.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "my failure", be specific about what constituted the failure and avoid vague statements.

Common error

Avoid constantly emphasizing "my failure" as it can come across as self-pitying or lacking confidence. Balance acknowledgement of mistakes with highlighting strengths and future potential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my failure" functions as a noun phrase, where 'my' acts as a possessive determiner modifying the noun 'failure'. It expresses ownership or association with the concept of failure, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "my failure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to acknowledge personal responsibility for a lack of success or a specific mistake. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is typically found in neutral contexts. While primarily used in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings, it's important to balance the acknowledgement of "my failure" with a focus on learning and growth. Consider alternatives like "my mistake" or "my shortcoming" to fine-tune the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my shortcoming

This alternative emphasizes a specific weakness or fault, rather than a complete lack of success.

my mistake

This alternative highlights a specific error in judgment or action.

my fault

This alternative directly accepts responsibility for an error or negative outcome.

my error

Similar to "my mistake", but may imply a more formal or technical context.

my deficiency

This alternative focuses on a lack of necessary qualities or skills.

my inadequacy

This alternative emphasizes a feeling of not being good enough or capable.

my inability

This focuses on a lack of capacity or power to do something.

where I went wrong

This alternative is an idiomatic expression that refers to a specific point of failure.

my lack of success

This phrase focuses on the absence of positive results rather than the act of failing.

my mismanagement

This emphasizes poor handling or organization leading to failure.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to saying "my failure"?

You can use alternatives like "my mistake", "my shortcoming", or "my fault" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "my failure" in a professional setting?

Yes, using "my failure" can demonstrate accountability and willingness to learn, but it's important to frame it constructively, focusing on lessons learned and steps taken to improve.

How can I express "my failure" without sounding overly negative?

Focus on what you learned from the experience and how it will inform your future actions. Use phrases like "a learning experience" or "an opportunity for growth" to frame it positively.

What's the difference between "my failure" and "a failure"?

"My failure" indicates personal responsibility and ownership, while "a failure" is a more general term that doesn't necessarily assign blame to a specific person.