serious failure

USAGE SUMMARY

"serious failure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation in which a person or entity has failed to meet expectations, often leading to negative repercussions. For example, "The company suffered a serious failure when their new product failed to sell, resulting in financial losses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a very serious failure.

The New York Times

A 'crash' is a serious failure of an asm program.

University of California, Berkeley

Muema said it represented a serious failure of intelligence.

The Guardian

The report also details a serious failure of statecraft.

The Guardian - Opinion

Consequently, repairs can be made before serious failure takes place.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

(6) Other behaviors reflecting intentional conduct or serious failure to safeguard PHI.

Stanford University

He said the error was a serious failure of the screening programme.

The Guardian

The industry rejuvenation rationale for special trade assistance implies a serious failure in the capital market.

Harvard Business Review

Not doing so will be a serious failure of his progressive project.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was due to "a serious failure of training", common across the NHS at that time.

The Guardian

There was a "serious failure" of its duties by the trust's board of directors.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serious failure", ensure the context clearly establishes the area or system that has failed and the severity of the consequences. Be specific about what constitutes the failure.

Common error

Avoid using "serious failure" for minor setbacks. Reserve this phrase for situations where the consequences are genuinely significant and far-reaching.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious failure" functions as a noun phrase, where "serious" modifies the noun "failure", intensifying its meaning. It describes a state or instance of significant lack of success or effectiveness. As confirmed by Ludwig, this expression is valid and commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious failure" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe significant shortcomings or breakdowns. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid phrase in written English. Its primary function is to convey concern or disappointment about situations where expectations are not met, often highlighting the gravity of the consequences. While suitable for formal contexts like news reports and academic papers, it's important to reserve its use for genuinely significant setbacks, avoiding overstatement. Alternatives like "major setback" or "critical flaw" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major setback

Focuses on the negative impact on progress or goals.

critical flaw

Emphasizes a significant defect or weakness.

grave error

Highlights the severity and potential consequences of a mistake.

significant blunder

Suggests a careless or foolish mistake with notable repercussions.

profound deficiency

Indicates a deep-seated lack or inadequacy.

systemic collapse

Points to a breakdown affecting an entire system or organization.

catastrophic mistake

Highlights an extremely damaging and irreversible error.

monumental oversight

Emphasizes a significant and regrettable error due to negligence.

utter debacle

Implies a complete and humiliating failure.

complete fiasco

Describes a total and embarrassing failure, often involving disorganization.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious failure" to describe events or situations where there is a significant lack of success or a breakdown in expected performance. For example, "The project's cancellation represents a "serious failure" of planning".

What are some alternatives to "serious failure"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives like "major setback", "critical flaw", or "grave error".

Is it appropriate to use "serious failure" in formal writing?

Yes, "serious failure" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing significant problems or shortcomings. However, ensure that your tone remains objective and professional.

What distinguishes "serious failure" from a simple "failure"?

"Serious failure" implies a greater degree of impact, consequence, or gravity compared to a general "failure". It suggests that the repercussions are significant and potentially widespread.