setting themselves up for failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "setting themselves up for failure" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing situations where someone is creating conditions that are likely to lead to their own failure. Example: "By not studying for the exam, he is setting himself up for failure." Alternative expressions include "creating a path to failure" and "preparing for defeat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It's true that these targets -- to enroll all primary-school-age kids in class and cut child mortality by two-thirds by 2015, and so on -- generate much empty rhetoric, and that they are likely to backfire: Most will not be met, so aid agencies are setting themselves up for failure.

The Washington Post

In today's corporate climate, businesses that don't value the incoming generations of workers are setting themselves up for failure.

Forbes

They were setting themselves up for failure.

Huffington Post

Critics say they're setting themselves up for failure.

Vice

However it's now become apparent that if that's all that leaders do, they are setting themselves up for failure.

HuffPost

I find that too many people start and stop their exercise programs, so they are constantly setting themselves up for failure.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Those who become preoccupied with it inevitably set themselves up for failure and psychological turmoil.

Harvard Business Review

"Some people set themselves up for failure by sending in photos that aren't flattering," said Abraham Tesser, a psychology professor at the University of Georgia who studies human self-concept.

The New York Times - Tech

"People set themselves up for failure when they try to start at a busy time," says Owen. "The gym has to become a priority.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But some Republicans have said compromising on the smaller issue now will only set themselves up for failure on the bigger issue of the 2012 budget and a vote on whether to raise the federal debt limit later this spring.

The Washington Post

The back and forth between the judge and counsel, the mind games played between plaintiff and defendant, the kooky characters who often set themselves up for failure – Ace Attorney made me feel like a mastermind and as soon as I could take up legal studies in school, I did.

The Guardian - Games

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "setting themselves up for failure", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific actions or decisions that are creating the conditions for failure. Provide concrete examples or explanations to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid vaguely stating that someone is "setting themselves up for failure" without specifying the underlying reasons or actions contributing to the potential failure. Being specific enhances clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "setting themselves up for failure" functions as a descriptive phrase, often used to assess and critique actions or decisions that are likely to lead to an unfavorable outcome. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, highlighting potential pitfalls.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "setting themselves up for failure" is a commonly used expression to describe situations where individuals or organizations are making choices that will likely lead to an unsuccessful outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for a range of contexts, primarily in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Academia. While cautioning about the causes of failure, avoid being too vague and specify the issues. By understanding the meaning, usage, and appropriate contexts of the phrase "setting themselves up for failure", writers can effectively communicate their observations and analyses of situations where failure is a likely outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

courting disaster

This alternative implies inviting negative consequences through one's actions.

inviting trouble

This suggests that actions are likely to cause problems or difficulties.

laying the groundwork for defeat

This highlights the preparatory actions that lead to an unsuccessful outcome.

dooming themselves to fail

This implies a predetermined and unavoidable negative outcome.

paving the way for problems

This emphasizes the creation of conditions that will likely cause issues.

digging their own grave

This idiom suggests actions that will lead to one's own downfall.

heading for a fall

This indicates an impending negative outcome or setback.

making a rod for their own back

This suggests creating future problems or difficulties for oneself.

precipitating their own downfall

This implies hastening or accelerating one's own failure.

seeding their future failure

This emphasizes the early actions that contribute to an eventual unsuccessful outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "setting themselves up for failure" to describe situations where someone's actions or decisions are likely to cause them to fail. For example, "By procrastinating on their project, they are "setting themselves up for failure"."

What are some alternatives to saying "setting themselves up for failure"?

Some alternatives include "courting disaster", "inviting trouble", or "laying the groundwork for defeat", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to say someone is "setting themselves up for failure"?

Yes, the phrase "setting themselves up for failure" is inherently negative. It implies that someone's current actions are creating a high likelihood of an unsuccessful outcome.

What's the difference between "setting themselves up for failure" and "taking a risk"?

"Setting themselves up for failure" suggests a high probability of a negative outcome due to flawed actions or decisions. "Taking a risk" implies uncertainty and potential for both success and failure, but not necessarily due to flawed preparation.