suffer a failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suffer a failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something experiences a setback or does not succeed in achieving a goal. Example: "Despite their best efforts, the team had to accept that they would suffer a failure in their project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But experts acknowledge the difference between asking a company whether it could suffer a failure and sending in outsiders to answer the same question.

The New York Times

The fact that depression sets in after someone is prepared to suffer a failure or a loss, Dr. Klinger said, is important.

The New York Times - Health

India would be less likely to suffer a failure of its crucial summer monsoon, Barnston notes.

Science Magazine

When you're not getting the results you want, whenever you suffer a "failure", know that you are on the right path.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The British have clearly suffered a failure to articulate and act upon a coherent and relevant national program.

The New Yorker

The plane, flying from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to San Francisco, suffered a failure of the mechanism that sets the angle of the tail, determining whether the nose is up or down.

The New York Times

The missile test on July 7th suffered a failure so fundamental that it did not even figure among the various "high-risk" scenarios the Pentagon had worried about.

The Economist

Perhaps, as the governor's men now say, Mr. Cuomo never sought this conflict and his aides never pressured Mr. Jennings, who they suggest may have suffered a failure of will.

The New York Times

The third car avoided that terminal condition and was repaired, but it suffered a failure of the engine's rear main seal soon after it re-entered the race, Mr. Doonan said.

The New York Times

ITT, maker of the satellite's camera, has never suffered a failure.

Forbes

However, the car then suffered a failure of a seal on the motor-generator unit recovering energy from the rear axle.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "suffer a failure" when you want to emphasize the negative impact or experience of not succeeding. It suggests a sense of loss or setback.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "suffer a failure" can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "fail" or "not succeed" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suffer a failure" functions as a verb phrase, where "suffer" is the verb and "a failure" is the noun phrase acting as the direct object. It describes the experience of undergoing or enduring a lack of success. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and shows examples of its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suffer a failure" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe the experience of undergoing a setback or not achieving a desired outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides real-world examples from various sources, primarily News & Media and Science. While it's generally appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferable in casual conversation. Related phrases, like "experience a setback" or "meet with defeat", offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts. The phrase carries a connotation of loss or negative impact, making it suitable when emphasizing the consequences of not succeeding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be unsuccessful

A simple and direct way of stating that an attempt did not achieve its intended goal. It's a more neutral alternative.

experience a setback

Focuses on the temporary nature of the failure, implying a delay rather than a complete defeat. It's less severe in connotation.

fall short of success

Highlights the lack of achievement, focusing on the desired outcome rather than the experience of failure itself.

meet with defeat

Emphasizes the confrontation with failure as an opponent, adding a sense of struggle and opposition.

encounter a problem

Shifts the focus to a difficulty or issue, which may or may not result in a complete failure. It's a more general term.

end in frustration

Focuses on the emotional outcome of the failure, emphasizing the disappointment and lack of fulfillment.

undergo a breakdown

Suggests a complete cessation of function, often applied to systems or machines. It is more specific than a general failure.

be thwarted

Highlights the obstruction or prevention of success by external forces or circumstances. It suggests an active opposition.

come to grief

Implies a more significant and unfortunate failure, often with negative consequences. It carries a stronger emotional weight.

prove abortive

Emphasizes the premature end of an attempt, suggesting that it was not fully developed or realized. It's a more formal option.

FAQs

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

You can use "suffer a failure" to describe experiencing a setback or lack of success. For example, "The project suffered a failure due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "suffer a failure"?

Alternatives include "experience a setback", "meet with defeat", or simply "be unsuccessful", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "suffer a failure" or "experience a failure"?

Both "suffer a failure" and "experience a failure" are grammatically correct, but "suffer a failure" emphasizes the negative impact, while "experience a failure" is more neutral. Choose based on the desired tone.

What's the difference between "suffer a failure" and "encounter a problem"?

"Suffer a failure" indicates a complete lack of success, while "encounter a problem" suggests facing a difficulty that may or may not lead to failure. The latter is broader and less definitive.