nearing failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nearing failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, system, or entity that is approaching a state of failure or collapse. Example: "The project is nearing failure due to lack of funding and support from stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The BPC report, led by industry executives and former regulators, supported a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation proposal to resolve big, global banks nearing failure.

Huffington Post

In the coming months the FDIC and the Fed will propose a rule requiring big banks to fund themselves with enough equity capital and parent-company debt to cover losses if the banks were nearing failure and needed to be taken over by regulators.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Eleven of the nation's largest banks have failed to convince federal regulators they could safely be wound down if they neared failure, government authorities said Tuesday, reinforcing the idea that they are too big to fail.

Huffington Post

Holen said the overall pact has its roots in a poorly negotiated agreement between USC and the Coliseum Commission, which is nearing financial failure.

Los Angeles Times

Fears began to grow for Lehman in March, after the near failure of Bear Stearns.

The Guardian - Business

Such minor degradation or near failure may go unnoticed for a while and then hit unexpectedly.

International Journal of Medical Informatics

Near failure, Mr. Gillette received help from an investor who allowed his vision to thrive but cost him control.

The New York Times

News of the fund's near failure shocked stock markets and made lenders leery of other hedge funds.

The New York Times

You have to remember that there are over 5,300 drinking water facilities throughout the U.S. that are at or near failure, and I mean failure.

Yale University

Then came the near failure in March of Bear Stearns, which was rescued in a takeover by JPMorgan Chase only after the Fed agreed to cover $29 billion in losses.

The New York Times

He blamed "the very near failure of the Iraqi occupation" on Iranian interference, misplaced assumptions and a lack of US troops.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nearing failure" to describe systems, projects, or entities that are progressively approaching a state where they will no longer function as intended. It implies a gradual decline rather than a sudden event.

Common error

Avoid using "nearing failure" when the subject has already failed. "Nearing failure" indicates a process, while complete failure indicates a final state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nearing failure" functions as a descriptive modifier, indicating that something is in the process of approaching a state of failure. Ludwig examples illustrate its use with both concrete entities (banks, systems) and abstract concepts (talks, rainy seasons).

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nearing failure" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe a situation or entity gradually approaching a state of failure. Ludwig's analysis, validated by Ludwig AI, confirms its correctness and suitability for formal writing. While primarily found in News & Media contexts, it also appears in scientific discussions. Consider alternatives like "approaching collapse" or "on the verge of failing" for nuanced expression. Remember that "nearing failure" indicates a process, not a completed state of failure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Close to failing

Simple substitution, maintains a very high degree of similarity.

Heading towards failure

Replaces "nearing" with "heading towards", indicating direction.

Approaching collapse

Replaces "failure" with "collapse", emphasizing a more drastic form of failure.

On the verge of failing

Uses "on the verge of" to indicate imminent failure, adding a sense of immediacy.

On the brink of failure

Suggests a critical point just before failure occurs.

About to fail

Emphasizes the immediacy of the failure more strongly.

In danger of failing

Highlights the risk of failure rather than the proximity.

At risk of failure

Similar to "in danger of failing", emphasizing the potential outcome.

Tipping point reached

Metaphorically describes the moment just before irreversible failure.

Experiencing imminent failure

Highlights the immediacy and presence of failure.

FAQs

How can I use "nearing failure" in a sentence?

You can use "nearing failure" to describe a situation or entity that is progressively approaching a state of failure. For example: "The company is "nearing failure" due to poor management."

What are some alternatives to "nearing failure"?

Alternatives include "approaching collapse", "on the verge of failing", or "close to failing" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "nearing failure" in formal writing?

Yes, "nearing failure" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing the state of a system or organization. However, consider whether a more precise term might be appropriate.

What's the difference between "nearing failure" and "near failure"?

"Nearing failure" suggests a gradual process of approaching failure, whereas "near failure" refers to an instance where failure almost occurred. While similar, "near failure" implies a specific event, and "nearing failure" implies a state.