on the brink of failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the brink of failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is very close to failing or collapsing. Example: "The project was on the brink of failure due to lack of funding and support from the stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

At the end of 2011, Chesapeake Energy, one of the nation's biggest oil and gas companies, was teetering on the brink of failure.

Huffington Post

The consortium, GUPC, said the endeavour was on "the brink of failure".

The Economist

"Libya is teetering on the brink of failure," said Sarah Lean Whitson of Human Rights Watch.

The Guardian

In the summer of 2008, as WaMu teetered on the brink of failure, the two regulators still could not agree.

The New York Times

What we are witnessing is not the end of food but a market on the brink of failure.

The New Yorker

Specifically, the appropriately designated agency should be authorized to intervene in the event that a systemically critical capital market institution is on the brink of failure.

The New York Times

Maybe the government should have focused on this strategy between September and March as a means to handle all the other banks on the brink of failure.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Some overlapping junctions were taken to the brink of failure to assess the failure mechanism of the wires.

Nano-Micro Letters

Renaissance was on the brink of bankruptcy.

Forbes

Half-time: Cameroon wobble on the brink of embarassing failure.

The Guardian

"The system with which we provide state-funded care to the elderly really is on the brink of financial failure".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "on the brink of failure" to convey a sense of urgency and precariousness, emphasizing that a negative outcome is highly likely without intervention. For example, "Without immediate funding, the project is "on the brink of failure"."

Common error

Avoid using "on the brink of failure" when describing minor setbacks or easily recoverable situations. This phrase is best reserved for cases where the situation is genuinely dire and the likelihood of complete failure is high.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the brink of failure" functions as an adjectival phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its state. It indicates that something is very close to experiencing failure. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the brink of failure" is a commonly used phrase that describes a situation close to collapse or ruin. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and highlights its applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While versatile, it is best employed when conveying genuine urgency and high risk. Related phrases such as "nearing collapse" offer nuanced alternatives. Remember to avoid overuse in minor scenarios, ensuring its impact when truly needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of collapse

Emphasizes the imminence of collapse but can be used in a wider range of scenarios.

nearing collapse

Focuses on the process of approaching a state of collapse.

facing imminent downfall

Highlights the inescapable nature of the failure.

teetering on the edge

Emphasizes instability and the precariousness of the situation.

in danger of failing

A more general expression of the risk of failure.

one step away from disaster

Highlights the potential for a catastrophic outcome.

at risk of crashing

Implies a sudden and potentially destructive failure.

close to ruin

Focuses on the potential for significant damage or destruction.

about to implode

Suggests an internal collapse, often due to internal pressures.

on its last legs

An idiomatic expression signifying a state of near-complete exhaustion or depletion.

FAQs

How can I use "on the brink of failure" in a sentence?

Use "on the brink of failure" to describe situations nearing collapse or irreversible negative outcomes. For example, "The company was "on the brink of failure" due to mismanagement."

What phrases are similar to "on the brink of failure"?

Alternatives include "nearing collapse", "on the verge of collapse", or "facing imminent downfall", each carrying slight nuances in intensity.

Is it grammatically correct to say "on the brink of failure"?

Yes, the phrase "on the brink of failure" is grammatically correct and widely used in English to describe a situation very close to collapse or ruin.

What's the difference between "on the brink of failure" and "on the verge of failure"?

While both phrases are similar, "on the brink of failure" might suggest a slightly more immediate and precarious situation than "on the verge of failure". The difference is subtle and context-dependent.