notable failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "notable failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a failure that is significant or worthy of attention, often in a critical context. Example: "The project was intended to revolutionize the industry, but it ended in a notable failure that shocked investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

I have already mentioned Hawaii as a notable failure.

The Guardian

Take the notable failure at Wells Fargo last year.

Harvard Business Review

Its most notable failure concerned the land itself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the most visible example of this approach, in Kansas City, was a notable failure.

The New York Times

Wal-Mart's rebranding effort comes in the wake of one notable failure in its clinic business.

The New York Times

Another notable failure was Kodak, which went bust last year, overwhelmed by the digital photography revolution.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

But there have been some notable failures.

The New York Times

But there have been notable failures.

The Guardian

Shamrock has also had some notable failures.

The New York Times

There were some notable failures, too.

The New York Times

There have been notable failures as well.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "notable failure" to describe a situation where the failure is significant enough to warrant attention or analysis. This is especially useful in business, historical, or academic contexts where evaluating outcomes is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "notable failure" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Simpler terms like "big mistake" or "didn't work out" are more appropriate for less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "notable failure" functions as a noun phrase, where "notable" modifies the noun "failure". It serves to highlight a specific instance of failure that is significant or worthy of attention. Ludwig confirms the acceptability and correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

13%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "notable failure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily found in news, academic, and encyclopedia sources. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. It describes a significant lack of success, something worthy of attention or analysis. While alternatives like "significant setback" or "major flop" exist, "notable failure" provides a specific nuance, emphasizing the importance of the failure. When writing, reserve "notable failure" for situations where the failure's magnitude and impact are considerable, and avoid using it in informal contexts where simpler language is more appropriate. Ludwig examples showcase its usage across diverse domains, confirming its versatility and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant setback

Replaces "failure" with a less harsh term, softening the negative impact.

major flop

Emphasizes the degree of failure and its public visibility.

conspicuous defeat

Highlights the obvious nature of the failure.

resounding fiasco

Implies a complete and embarrassing failure.

remarkable underachievement

Focuses on the shortfall relative to expectations.

glaring deficiency

Highlights the obvious and problematic lack of something.

evident shortcoming

Emphasizes the readily apparent nature of the flaw.

palpable inadequacy

Stresses the tangible or easily perceived lack of quality.

striking lack of success

Highlights the absence of positive results in a noticeable way.

pronounced non-success

A more formal and less common way of saying obvious failure.

FAQs

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

You can use "notable failure" to describe a significant lack of success in a particular endeavor. For example, "The company's attempt to enter the new market proved to be a "notable failure"."

What are some alternatives to "notable failure"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "significant setback", "major flop", or "conspicuous defeat" instead of "notable failure".

Is it better to say "significant failure" or "notable failure"?

"Significant failure" and "notable failure" are largely interchangeable, but "notable failure" often implies that the failure is also worthy of being noted or remembered.

What makes a failure "notable"?

A failure becomes "notable" when it has significant consequences, attracts attention, or provides important lessons. It's a failure that stands out from the ordinary.