scared of failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scared of failure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing feelings of anxiety or fear related to not succeeding in a task or endeavor. Example: "Many students are scared of failure, which can hinder their performance during exams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Don't be scared of failure.

The Guardian

They should be scared of failure, right?

The Guardian - Business

I feel like I've died once already … I'm not scared of failure any more.

The Guardian

"I wanted to be a lawyer, but I was scared of failure," he said.

The New York Times

"I don't know if it's just they're scared of failure," Manning said, "or if they do something wrong, it's over".

The New York Times - Sports

"Mostly because I felt a bit silly saying that I wanted to be an actress before I actually was an actress – or it might have been being scared of failure".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

And banks – commercial and investment – are scared of the risk of failure, preferring to chop up and disperse risk finely, and then get bailed out when things go wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Freedman's comments – he previously suggested Cardiff would be "scared stiff" of failure – appear to have angered the Cardiff camp.

Independent

Whether you're scared of change, success or failure... it's worth remembering that fear is a universal experience.

Huffington Post

The fund wants to find founders who are not scared of risks or learning from failure, which means challenging cultural norms.

TechCrunch

"And speaking of fear and failure, graduates, people are so scared of getting hurt that they fail to make connections.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing personal anxieties or motivations, using "scared of failure" can add a relatable human element to your writing. It's particularly effective in narratives or reflective pieces.

Common error

While acceptable in general writing, avoid overusing "scared of failure" in highly formal documents like academic papers or business reports. Opt for more professional alternatives like "risk aversion" or "concern about potential setbacks" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scared of failure" functions as an adjectival phrase describing a state of being. It modifies a subject (explicit or implicit) to indicate they experience fear related to potential failure. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

11%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scared of failure" is a common and generally acceptable way to express the feeling of anxiety or fear related to the prospect of not succeeding. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely used. While suitable for various contexts, it's crucial to consider the tone and register of your writing and choose more formal alternatives like "concern about potential setbacks" for professional or academic settings. The examples curated by Ludwig demonstrate the phrase's usage in news media, personal reflections, and general discussions, highlighting its versatility and broad understanding. When facing the question of how to use "scared of failure" correctly, ensure it aligns with the intended audience and the overall formality of the piece.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

afraid of failure

Simple synonym using "afraid" instead of "scared".

fearful of failure

Uses "fearful" which implies a slightly more formal tone.

the fear of failure

Nominalizes the phrase, making it a subject or object.

terrified of failure

Emphasizes a stronger degree of fear using "terrified".

anxious about failure

Focuses on the anxiety associated with the possibility of failing.

apprehensive about failure

Implies a more reasoned or thoughtful fear.

dreading failure

Highlights the anticipation of something unpleasant.

avoiding failure

Shifts focus to the actions taken to prevent failure.

inhibited by fear of failure

Highlights how fear of failure can hold someone back.

intimidated by the prospect of failure

Focuses on the feeling of being overwhelmed by the possibility of failing.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "scared of failure"?

Being "scared of failure" means experiencing anxiety or fear about the possibility of not succeeding in a task or endeavor. It can lead to hesitation, avoidance, or increased effort to prevent negative outcomes.

What are some alternatives to saying "scared of failure"?

You can use alternatives such as "afraid of failure", "fearful of failure", or "anxious about failure" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does the phrase "scared of failure" compare to "fear of failure"?

The phrase "scared of failure" is more informal and personal, while "fear of failure" is more formal and abstract. Both express the same underlying concept, but "fear of failure" is often used in academic or analytical contexts.

Is it always negative to be "scared of failure"?

Not necessarily. While excessive fear can be detrimental, a healthy degree of concern about failure can motivate individuals to prepare better, work harder, and strive for success. It becomes negative when it leads to avoidance or paralysis.