reinforce failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reinforce failure" is not commonly used in written English.
You might be thinking of the phrase "reinforce success," which means to encourage success or positive outcomes. For example, "The teacher wanted to reinforce success in her students, so she used positive reinforcement whenever they achieved a goal."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In the teeth of opposition and much delay and obstruction by Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Bush was persuaded to go ahead with the surge – though it flew in the face of the old military maxim "never reinforce failure".

The Guardian - Opinion

Paddy Ashdown, head of the European Movement UK, thinks over-reliance on the economic message was one of the key reasons for defeat: "It's the fatal mistake often made by commanders – the more you reinforce failure, the more you get failure".

The Guardian - Opinion

"But if the school fails -- if the school is unable to do what's necessary to provide for the children attending that school -- we think it's important that federal funds not be used to reinforce failure, that instead that there be accountability built into the system".

The New York Times

Having recognised the futility of the battle Urquhart was not prepared to reinforce failure.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Let's wait and see how she looks five days out".In this section Reinforcing failure?

The Economist

"If you don't support independence and you foster dependence, you're reinforcing failure not success.

Independent

All this will be very uncomfortable, but not as uncomfortable as reinforcing failure with more lost lives.

The Guardian - Opinion

They spoke of the cost of enforcement, and the courts gummed up with trivial possession cases.In this section Reinforcing failure?

The Economist

Mr Obama's strategists have presumably figured out that ditching Mr Paterson for Mr Cuomo might help them hold onto a vital job.In this section Reinforcing failure?

The Economist

Mr Markell's attorneys proposed an expansion of gambling to single-game bets on all sports; but an appeals court ruled that would fall foul of PASPA's exemption.In this section Reinforcing failure?

The Economist

Since China's GDP is growing so rapidly, even if it cuts the carbon intensity of its economy, its overall emissions will probably continue to grow.In this section Reinforcing failure?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In project management or problem-solving contexts, use "reinforce failure" to argue against investing more resources into a failing endeavor, advocating instead for re-evaluation and new approaches.

Common error

Avoid using "reinforce failure" when you intend to convey the idea of learning from mistakes. "Reinforce failure" implies perpetuating a negative outcome, whereas learning from failure suggests adapting and improving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reinforce failure" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, typically used to describe actions or decisions that inadvertently worsen or perpetuate negative outcomes. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is not commonly used, but it clearly communicates the idea of exacerbating an existing problem.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reinforce failure" is used to describe actions that worsen or perpetuate negative outcomes. Ludwig AI indicates that while grammatically sound, it's not a common phrase in written English. Usage is primarily found in news and media, with some instances in wiki and scientific sources. When writing, be mindful of whether you intend to suggest learning from mistakes versus actually making things worse. Consider alternatives like "exacerbate failure" or "compound failure" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worsen the failure

A more direct and simple way of saying that actions are making the failure worse.

compound failure

This alternative suggests that actions are worsening an existing failure, adding to its complexity or severity.

deepen the failure

This indicates that the failure is becoming more profound or significant due to certain actions.

exacerbate failure

Focuses on the worsening aspect of the failure due to specific actions.

fuel the failure

This implies the actions are providing the means or energy for the failure to grow or continue.

perpetuate failure

This highlights the continuation of the failure over time, suggesting the actions cause it to persist.

aggravate failure

Suggests the failure is becoming more severe or intense as a result of certain actions.

encourage failure

This indicates that actions are inadvertently fostering conditions that lead to failure.

cement failure

Implies solidifying or making the failure permanent or unchangeable through specific actions.

multiply failures

Suggests causing more instances of failure to occur

FAQs

How can I rephrase "reinforce failure" to sound more positive?

Consider using phrases like "perpetuate the problem" or "compound the issue" to highlight the negative consequences without directly using the word "failure".

What does it mean to "reinforce failure"?

To "reinforce failure" means to take actions or implement strategies that inadvertently or directly worsen an existing failure, causing it to continue or become more severe.

Is it better to "reinforce success" or "reinforce failure"?

It is generally more desirable to "reinforce success" than to "reinforce failure". Reinforcing success involves supporting actions and strategies that lead to positive outcomes, while reinforcing failure means perpetuating negative results.

When is it appropriate to use the term "reinforce failure"?

Use "reinforce failure" when you want to emphasize that continuing a certain course of action is likely to worsen a negative situation or prevent improvement. It's often used to argue for a change in strategy or approach.