persistent failure

USAGE SUMMARY

"persistent failure" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe when someone is repeatedly experiencing failure despite their efforts. For example, "After months of hard work, the student was still facing persistent failure in her math class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Even if we set this caution aside, there may be parts of persistently employed strategy that lead to persistent failure.

SEP

By 2010, this persistent failure to connect with Britons was fuelling a growing internal rebellion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Romney cites it as evidence of the president's persistent failure to confront a sluggish economy.

The New York Times

Amnesty International said the case highlighted the "persistent failure" by the PNG government to address sorcery related acts of violence.

The Guardian

Aged just 28, he was sacked by the Old Trafford club for excessive drinking and persistent failure to attend training.

The Guardian - Sport

The story of HS2 is a story of our persistent failure to properly plan and prioritise major infrastructure projects.

The Guardian

In relation to the Far East in particular there was a persistent failure to see eye to eye.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a statement, the E.E.O.C. chairwoman, Ida L. Castro, accused the company of "persistent failure to respond to the systemic discrimination".

The New York Times

The bill, which renews the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, seeks to identify troubled schools, help them improve and, ultimately, hold them accountable for persistent failure.

The New York Times

She has covered corruption and unrest and the central government's persistent failure to close illegal "black jails" set up by local police to silence critics.

The New Yorker

But that probably says more about the persistent failure of political ambition than it does about the value to children of mastering a stringed instrument.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "persistent failure", ensure the context clearly indicates what is failing and why it is considered persistent. Be specific about the area or system experiencing failure.

Common error

Avoid using "persistent failure" as a vague descriptor. Instead of saying "The project suffered from persistent failure", specify which aspects consistently failed, such as "persistent failure to meet deadlines" or "persistent failure to stay within budget".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persistent failure" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of ongoing or recurring lack of success, as demonstrated in examples provided by Ludwig, such as "parts of persistently employed strategy that lead to persistent failure" and "the president's persistent failure to confront a sluggish economy."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "persistent failure" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes an ongoing or recurring lack of success. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely employed across various contexts, from news and media to scientific research. It's often used to critique or analyze problematic trends. When using "persistent failure", ensure to specify what is failing and in what area the failure occurs. Alternatives such as ""repeated failure"" or ""consistent failure"" can be used for semantic variation. The phrase's frequency and versatility make it a valuable tool for clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repeated failure

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of the failures.

consistent failure

Highlights the uniformity and predictability of the failures.

chronic failure

Implies a long-lasting and possibly irreversible state of failure.

ongoing failure

Focuses on the continuous nature of the failure.

continual setbacks

Shifts the focus to setbacks, implying a series of failures that impede progress.

regular breakdowns

Suggests failures in terms of systems or processes that repeatedly break down.

systematic collapse

Highlights the comprehensive and organized nature of the failure, implying a wider system is failing.

unrelenting defeat

Emphasizes the lack of respite from failure.

habitual non-performance

Highlights the established pattern of failing to perform as expected.

recurring mishaps

Downplays the severity by referring to minor incidents, which consistently lead to failure.

FAQs

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

You can use "persistent failure" to describe repeated unsuccessful attempts or outcomes. For example, "The company's "persistent failure" to innovate led to a decline in market share."

What are some alternatives to "persistent failure"?

Alternatives include "repeated failure", "consistent failure", or "chronic failure", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "persistent failure" and "consistent failure"?

While both indicate repeated lack of success, "persistent failure" emphasizes ongoing effort despite setbacks, while "consistent failure" simply highlights the uniformity of the unsuccessful outcomes.

What are the implications of "persistent failure" in organizational contexts?

"Persistent failure" in a business or organizational setting often suggests systemic issues, such as flawed strategies, inadequate resources, or ineffective leadership. Addressing "repeated failure" requires a thorough analysis of underlying causes.