system failure

USAGE SUMMARY

"system failure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a malfunction or breakdown of a system or machine. For example: "The network system experienced a system failure yesterday, causing a disruption in our services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The system failure began Thursday.

The New York Times - Tech

"Total system failure" was Stadt-Anzeiger's verdict.

The Guardian - Sport

There has been a system failure.

The Guardian - Business

There was no neglect or system failure.

The Guardian

That OAO suffered a catastrophic system failure immediately after launch.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It was, as the letter put it, "a complete system failure".

The New York Times

Intuit thinks that most of the customers inconvenienced by the system failure are expecting refunds.

The New York Times - Tech

As in the 1970s, the prevailing economic model had suffered system failure.

The Guardian - Business

But the sale of the device on Tuesday was, he said, "a regrettable system failure".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"He was sliding into multiple-organ-system failure," Raper says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Newspaper headlines talk of nothing but 'terminal decline' and 'system failure'.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "system failure", be specific about which system failed and the resulting impact. Provide context to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "system failure" as a vague explanation. Always identify the specific system and, if possible, the cause of the failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "system failure" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies an event where a system ceases to function correctly, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "system failure" is a commonly used noun phrase that denotes a malfunction or breakdown within a system. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts such as news reports, scientific publications, and academic papers. When using "system failure", provide specific details about the system involved and the consequences of the failure for clear communication. Remember, being specific avoids vagueness and improves understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete system breakdown

More emphatic than "system failure".

total loss of function

Highlights the complete inability of the system to operate.

critical error

Emphasizes the severity of the failure.

malfunction

Refers to a fault in operation, less specific than a complete failure.

breakdown

Suggests a sudden cessation of function.

technical fault

Implies a problem with the technical aspects of a system.

operational error

Highlights a mistake in the operation of a system.

equipment malfunction

Specifically refers to a problem with equipment.

infrastructure collapse

Indicates a failure of a larger system or network.

service disruption

Focuses on the interruption of a service due to a failure.

FAQs

How to use "system failure" in a sentence?

You can use "system failure" to describe a breakdown or malfunction in a system. For example, "The power grid experienced a complete "system failure" during the storm".

What can I say instead of "system failure"?

You can use alternatives like "malfunction", "breakdown", or "technical fault" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "system failure" or "systematic failure"?

"System failure" refers to a specific instance of a system not working, while "systematic failure" implies a recurring or widespread problem within a system or process.

What's the difference between "system failure" and "equipment malfunction"?

"System failure" is a broader term that can encompass multiple components or processes, whereas "equipment malfunction" specifically refers to a problem with a piece of equipment.