set up for failure

USAGE SUMMARY

"set up for failure" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone or something has been arranged or prepared in a way that makes success unlikely or even impossible. Example: The new sales strategy was set up for failure from the beginning because it did not take into account the current market trends. In this example, the company's sales strategy was not designed to be successful, and therefore it was "set up for failure." Another example: The teacher's impossible standards set the students up for failure, as they were expected to complete the entire assignment in just one night. In this sentence, the teacher's expectations were unrealistic and would likely lead to the students' failure, hence they were "set up for failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"They're set up for failure".

The New York Times

They are set up for failure.

The New York Times

"Pass rushers are set up for failure.

The New York Times - Sports

Hodge said: "You are being set up for failure".

The Guardian

It's a system in many ways set up for failure".

The New York Times

In short, they are set up for failure.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"I think that's setting up for failure.

The New York Times - Sports

This sets up for failure the very families and communities it is the F.H.A.'s mission to help".

The New York Times

"They are set up for crushing failure".

The New York Times - Food

Because of this, it is occasionally portrayed as a set up for personal failure.

Huffington Post

It's a set-up for failure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, clearly identify what or who is being "set up for failure" and the factors contributing to this predisposition. Provide specific examples to support your assertion and enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "set up for failure" as a blanket statement without specifying the systemic or circumstantial factors at play. Overlooking these factors can unfairly blame individuals who are operating within a flawed system.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set up for failure" functions as a descriptive phrase. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject is in a situation predisposing it to an unsuccessful outcome. Ludwig confirms this through its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set up for failure" is a commonly used expression to describe a situation or system predisposed to an unsuccessful outcome. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage. Grammatically sound and widely applicable, it frequently appears in news, business, and academic contexts, signaling a neutral to professional tone. When writing, focus on specifying the systemic factors contributing to the high chance of failure and avoid unfairly blaming individuals. Alternatives include "doomed to fail" or "a recipe for disaster", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doomed to fail

Implies a predetermined and unavoidable negative outcome, suggesting a stronger sense of inevitability.

destined for failure

Similar to 'doomed', but emphasizes fate or destiny as the cause of the anticipated failure.

predetermined to fail

Highlights that the failure was decided in advance, often implying a deliberate act.

programmed to fail

Suggests a systematic and almost mechanical process leading to failure, often used in technical or organizational contexts.

engineered for failure

Emphasizes intentional design, suggesting that the situation was deliberately created to result in failure.

headed for disaster

Focuses on the trajectory or direction toward a negative outcome, often used when describing a process or project.

courting disaster

Implies that someone is behaving in a way that increases the likelihood of failure or catastrophe.

inviting failure

Suggests that the circumstances make failure highly probable, but not necessarily certain.

almost certain to fail

Uses language that focuses on level of probability of failure in the situation.

a recipe for disaster

Conveys that the combination of certain factors will inevitably lead to a negative outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "set up for failure" in a sentence?

You can use "set up for failure" to describe situations where someone or something is designed or arranged in a way that makes success unlikely. For example: "The project was "doomed to fail" from the start due to inadequate resources."

What are some alternatives to "set up for failure"?

Alternatives include "destined for failure", "programmed to fail", or "a recipe for disaster". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to be "set up for failure"?

To be "set up for failure" means that the conditions, resources, or expectations are such that success is highly improbable or impossible. It often implies a systemic problem or a deliberate lack of support.

Is it always negative to say something is "set up for failure"?

Yes, the phrase inherently carries a negative connotation. It suggests that a person, project, or system has been disadvantaged or undermined in a way that makes failure almost inevitable. It is similar to saying something is "headed for disaster".