ongoing failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ongoing failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or process that continues to fail over time without resolution. Example: "The project has faced ongoing failure due to a lack of resources and poor management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're concerned about the ongoing failure of shopping around.

The Guardian - Money

"This is part of the largest ongoing failure in federal law enforcement since the 1960's".

The New York Times

This ongoing failure to meet their housing needs amounts to an act of further unnecessary cruelty.

The Guardian - Opinion

But these meals all reminded me of my ongoing failure to penetrate Vietnamese culture.

The New York Times - Travel

This was yet another example of terrorists' ongoing failure to get to grips with modern public relations.

Independent

This ongoing failure to secure convictions will continue to leave women and young people vulnerable and in potentially risky situations".

Independent

As William S. Lind observed on June 11, the rise in strikes is indicative of the ongoing failure of the "surge" on the ground.

The Guardian - Opinion

The tragedy that resulted from ongoing failure of children's services at Doncaster and Rotherham are examples of a bad way to fail.

The Guardian

Yet its over-all progress has only clarified for Indian strategists the ongoing failure to stop the I.S.I. from infiltrating jihadi guerrillas across the Line of Control.

The New Yorker

But the panel noted that bank officials were aware of the ongoing failure of the government to provide suitable new homes.

The Guardian

And the ongoing failure to talk to North Korea does not appear to be working either, as the recent shelling of South Korea demonstrates.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ongoing failure", clearly identify the specific area or process that is failing to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "ongoing failure" is acceptable, in highly formal or academic writing, consider more precise or technical terms like "persistent malfunction" or "sustained underperformance" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ongoing failure" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of continuous unsuccessful attempts or outcomes, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis of numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ongoing failure" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term that describes a persistent lack of success. Ludwig's analysis of a multitude of examples confirms its wide applicability, particularly in news and media contexts where it serves to highlight unresolved issues. While generally neutral in tone, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "persistent deficiency" in academic settings. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is important to provide specific context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. Ultimately, understanding its nuances will allow for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Continuing setback

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of the failure as a setback.

Persistent deficiency

Focuses on the continuous lack of something necessary.

Chronic inadequacy

Highlights the long-term and insufficient nature of the situation.

Unresolved breakdown

Stresses that the failure has not been fixed or addressed.

Sustained collapse

Implies a gradual and continuous decline.

Perpetual malfunction

Emphasizes that the failure is continuous and never-ending.

Unremitting flaw

Highlights the persistent and uncorrected imperfection.

Consistent underperformance

Focuses on the continuous failure to meet expected standards.

Repeated breakdown

Highlights the recurrent aspect of the failure.

Incessant lack of success

Emphasizes the continuous absence of positive outcomes.

FAQs

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

You can use "ongoing failure" to describe situations where something consistently fails to achieve the desired outcome. For example, "The project's "ongoing failure" to meet deadlines is concerning."

What are some alternatives to "ongoing failure"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "persistent deficiency", "continuing setback", or "chronic inadequacy".

Is "ongoing failure" formal or informal?

"Ongoing failure" is suitable for both neutral and professional contexts. However, for highly formal or technical writing, consider alternatives that are more precise.

What does "ongoing failure" mean?

"Ongoing failure" refers to a situation or process that consistently fails to achieve its intended purpose or desired outcome over a period of time.