point of failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "point of failure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to an element or aspect of a system or process that, if not maintained or monitored, could cause the entire system or process to fail. For example, "We identified several potential points of failure in our software implementation plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Champions League exit was a genuine, perhaps decisive point of failure.

The Guardian - Sport

"The ultimate point of failure for our efforts … wasn't an insurgency.

The Guardian

"If one bolt falls off and you die, that's a single point of failure".

The Guardian

As such, the immune system has no single point of failure.

The Economist

The brain, like a muscle, gets stronger when pushed to the point of failure.

The New York Times - Sports

By the time we get to the point of failure, the real alternatives are gone.

The New York Times

Using two independent sources of random numbers insured that neither could be a single point of failure.

The New Yorker

You can push systems to the point of failure – what happens when a signal degenerates, or a sensor misinterprets?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This increases choice and means there is no single point of failure.Phones are not so much omnivorous as promiscuous.

The Economist

There is no single point of failure.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In this way our approach allows achieving a Fault Awareness with no-single-point-of-failure.

Future Generation Computer Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "point of failure" when you want to highlight a specific component or aspect that could lead to a system's overall malfunction.

Common error

Don't assume that eliminating a single "point of failure" guarantees system robustness. Always consider potential cascading failures and ensure multiple layers of redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "point of failure" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it identifying potential weaknesses in systems, processes, or plans, aligning with the Ludwig AI's assessment of its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "point of failure" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote a specific element or aspect of a system that, if it fails, will cause the entire system to break down. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. Recognizing and addressing these "points of failure" is crucial for risk mitigation and ensuring system robustness. Alternatives such as "weak link" or "critical vulnerability" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance desired. When writing, prioritize identifying "points of failure" clearly and ensuring redundancy to enhance system resilience. Ludwig's examples further highlight the phrase's importance in discussing complex systems and potential risks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak link

Focuses on the vulnerability aspect, implying a single component that can easily compromise the entire system.

critical vulnerability

Highlights the severity of the weakness, suggesting a significant risk if exploited.

single point of vulnerability

Emphasizes that the vulnerability is isolated to one specific element.

achilles heel

An allusion to a single, critical weakness despite overall strength.

fatal flaw

Focuses on the ultimate consequence of the failure, suggesting that it will inevitably lead to collapse.

bottleneck

Emphasizes that the "point of failure" restricts the throughput of the entire system.

weakest link in the chain

Illustrates the interdependence of components and how failure in one area impacts all other parts.

potential hazard

Shifts the focus to risk assessment, indicating that the point has a risk of failing.

area of concern

Downplays the severity, merely flagging it as something requiring close attention and consideration.

source of instability

Focuses on disruption caused by the element that is prone to failure.

FAQs

How to use "point of failure" in a sentence?

You can use "point of failure" to describe a specific component or aspect of a system that, if it fails, could cause the entire system to fail. For example, "The backup server became a critical "point of failure" after the primary server crashed".

What can I say instead of "point of failure"?

You can use alternatives like "weak link", "critical vulnerability", or "single point of vulnerability", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "point of failure" and "risk factor"?

"Point of failure" refers to a specific component or aspect that can directly cause a system to fail, whereas "risk factor" refers to any condition or variable that increases the likelihood of failure. A "point of failure" is a concrete element, while a risk factor is a broader concept.

Which is correct, "point of failure" or "failure point"?

Both "point of failure" and "failure point" are generally acceptable, but "point of failure" is the more common and idiomatic expression. Using ""point of failure"" often sounds more natural in most contexts.