structural failure

USAGE SUMMARY

"structural failure" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to a failure or collapse of a structure, such as a building or bridge, due to weaknesses or faults in its design or construction. Example: The investigation revealed that the cause of the bridge collapse was a structural failure in the support beams.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In some cases, these factors may lead concrete structures to structural failure [1 3].

ROBOMECH Journal

Large amounts of snow which accumulate on top of man-made structures can lead to structural failure.

Wikipedia

Again, individual misjudgment seems more likely than structural failure.

The Guardian

This was the single greatest structural failure in these islands.

The Guardian

We measured the Von Mises stresses distributed in each model, as a proxy for structural failure; higher Von Mises values means a greater likelihood of structural failure.

Nature

To do so, however, would only demonstrate his personal, and the Islamic Republic's structural, failure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Worklessness is the consequence of structural failure in the labour market.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This speaks to the structural failure of America to protect its black citizens".

The Guardian

How exactly did a crack in a window lead to catastrophic structural failure?

The New York Times - Books

This fragmentation of control factors increases the probability of structural failure.

Britannica

This means the aircraft probably did not break up in midair because of structural failure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the causes of a "structural failure", specify the materials, design flaws, or external forces that contributed to the failure for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "structural failure" as a vague term. Provide specific details about the type of structure, the location of the failure, and the consequences to enhance understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "structural failure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and commonly found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "structural failure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase referring to the breakdown or collapse of a structure. Ludwig AI supports this conclusion, highlighting its prevalence across various domains, including science, news, and encyclopedias. When using the phrase, it's best to provide specific details to avoid vagueness. Related terms like "structural collapse" or "loss of structural integrity" can serve as alternatives depending on the desired emphasis. The phrase carries a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for professional and scientific discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Structural collapse

Similar to "structural failure", but emphasizes the result of failing.

Collapse of structure

Focuses on the event of collapsing, rather than the state or cause of failure.

Loss of structural integrity

Highlights the loss of the structure's ability to maintain its form and function.

Breakdown of structure

Emphasizes the process of breaking down, suggesting a gradual deterioration.

Catastrophic failure

Emphasizes the severity and suddenness of the failure, implying significant consequences.

Building collapse

Specifies the type of structure that has failed, limiting the scope to buildings.

Component failure

Focuses on the failure of a specific part or component of the structure.

Material failure

Shifts the focus to the failure of the materials used in the structure.

Integrity loss

Short version of "loss of structural integrity".

System failure

Broader term that indicates a failure in the overall system, not necessarily limited to the structure itself.

FAQs

How to use "structural failure" in a sentence?

You can use "structural failure" to describe situations where a structure loses its ability to support loads, as in "The bridge collapse was attributed to a "structural failure" in the main support beams".

What are some common causes of "structural failure"?

Common causes include design flaws, material fatigue, inadequate maintenance, and external forces such as earthquakes or extreme weather conditions.

What can I say instead of "structural failure"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "structural collapse", "loss of structural integrity", or "material failure".

What is the difference between "structural failure" and "functional failure"?

"Structural failure" refers to the physical collapse or breakdown of a structure, while "functional failure" refers to the inability of a system or component to perform its intended function, which may not necessarily involve physical damage.