reason to fail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reason to fail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing factors or circumstances that contribute to a lack of success in a particular situation or endeavor. Example: "The lack of proper planning was a significant reason to fail in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"There is no real reason to fail a child," Dr. Glasser said in a 1988 interview.

The New York Times

Nigerian fans and media believe the team have enjoyed the best preparations ever in the team's history, and hence see no reason to fail.

BBC

"When you make excuses, you're giving yourself a reason to fail.

Los Angeles Times

And if I had, my superior officers would've found a reason to fail me, or they would've definitely gone after me for something stupid.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"After the national program shut down, there were a lot of reasons to fail.

The New York Times

That is all the more reason not to fail the test in Afghanistan.

The Economist

It's no wonder, then, that today reason often seems to fail us.

The New Yorker

Too little watering is the most common reason for plants to fail.

WikiHow

For no apparent reason their health began to fail".

The Guardian - Opinion

In 2012, I wrote There was no reason that Lehman had to fail.

The Economist

Emphasis on the former is a major reason modern security continues to fail.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reason to fail" to identify potential pitfalls in planning. This helps to proactively address challenges and improve the likelihood of success.

Common error

Avoid using "reason to fail" when the situation only presents a possibility, not a high probability, of failure. Using softer language is better when outcomes are uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reason to fail" functions as a noun phrase followed by an infinitive, typically serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies a specific cause or justification that may lead to an unsuccessful outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reason to fail" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon expression used to identify potential causes or justifications for an unsuccessful outcome. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science and Wiki articles, this phrase serves the purpose of highlighting risks and enabling proactive planning. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. Alternatives include phrases like "cause of failure" or "factor in failure", each offering slightly different shades of meaning. When employing "reason to fail", ensure that the context clearly identifies what is at risk, and avoid using it when failure is merely a possibility rather than a high probability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause of failure

Focuses on the direct cause that leads to failure, emphasizing the origin of the unsuccessful outcome.

factor in failure

Highlights an element contributing to failure, suggesting a less direct but significant influence.

ground for failure

Implies a basis or justification for an expected failure, often in a predictive context.

basis for failing

Similar to 'ground for failure', but focuses on the underlying reasons why something is failing or has failed.

explanation for defeat

Specifically addresses reasons for losing or being defeated, rather than general failure.

justification for non-success

A more formal alternative, indicating a valid rationale behind the lack of success.

rationale for failing

Focuses on the logical explanation behind why something is expected to fail or has failed.

contributing factor to lack of success

Highlights an element that plays a part in hindering success, often among multiple factors.

predisposing factor to failure

Emphasizes a factor that increases the likelihood of failure, suggesting a higher risk.

underlying cause of unsuccessful outcome

Identifies a fundamental reason for a negative result, potentially hidden or not immediately obvious.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "reason to fail" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "cause of failure", "factor contributing to failure", or "basis for failure". These options add a level of professional distance to your writing.

Is "reason to fail" the same as "excuse to fail"?

No, "reason to fail" implies a legitimate cause or factor that may lead to failure, while "excuse to fail" suggests a fabricated or weak justification for an anticipated failure.

When is it appropriate to use "reason to fail" in a sentence?

Use "reason to fail" when identifying specific factors that could logically result in a lack of success. For example, "Lack of funding is a significant "reason to fail" in this project."

What are some less direct alternatives to "reason to fail"?

Alternatives such as "factor in failure" or "contributing factor to lack of success" highlight less direct influences, whereas "explanation for defeat" specifies a reason for losing.