systemic failure

USAGE SUMMARY

"systemic failure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where there is a widespread or fundamental problem within a system or organization. Example: The company's bankruptcy was caused by a systemic failure in their management and financial practices.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The beauty of DNA is that it shows the systemic failure of our systems," she added.

The New York Times

"We waited until it was a crisis and that is the systemic failure of the system.

The Guardian

–Systemic failure of regulatory systems.

Forbes

"That is a systemic failure on multiple systems' parts".

Vice

Either that's systemic failure of its moderating system — or rank hypocrisy at the corporate level.

TechCrunch

That is systemic failure".

The Guardian

It's about systemic failure.

The Guardian

Underlying trends, however, pointed to systemic failure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Today's systemic failure takes three forms.

The New York Times

This systemic failure has a familiar shape.

The Guardian

"There was pretty systemic failure," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "systemic failure", be specific about the system you are referring to. For instance, instead of saying "there was a systemic failure", clarify with "there was a systemic failure in the healthcare system".

Common error

Avoid using "systemic failure" as a hyperbolic term to describe minor issues. It should be reserved for situations where the problems are widespread and deeply ingrained, not merely isolated incidents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "systemic failure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a condition of widespread malfunction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "systemic failure" is a commonly used noun phrase that denotes a fundamental and widespread breakdown within a system. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that it is most frequently employed in news and media contexts to highlight significant issues. While the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted, it should be used judiciously to avoid exaggeration, reserving it for situations genuinely characterized by pervasive problems. Alternatives include phrases like ""fundamental breakdown"" or ""widespread collapse"", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When writing, ensure you specify the system in question to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental breakdown

Focuses on the basic or essential aspects of the system that have failed, implying a deep-seated problem.

complete dysfunction

Highlights the inability of the system to operate as intended, suggesting a severe impairment of function.

widespread collapse

Emphasizes the broad scope of the failure, highlighting that it affects a large area or many components.

endemic deficiency

Suggests that the failure is persistent and deeply rooted within the system, making it difficult to eradicate.

structural weakness

Points to inherent flaws in the design or organization of the system that contribute to its failure.

pervasive flaw

Highlights that the flaw is present throughout the system, affecting multiple components or processes.

overall ineffectiveness

Focuses on the system's inability to achieve its goals or produce the desired results.

institutional decay

Specifically refers to the decline or deterioration of institutions, suggesting a gradual process of failure.

integrated malfunction

Emphasizes that the failure involves multiple interconnected parts of the system, leading to a breakdown of overall coordination.

across-the-board inadequacy

Emphasizes that the failure is not limited to specific areas but affects all aspects of the system.

FAQs

What does "systemic failure" mean?

Systemic failure refers to a fundamental breakdown or deficiency within a system, organization, or process that affects its overall functionality and performance.

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

You can use "systemic failure" to describe situations where a problem is widespread and deeply rooted, such as: "The investigation revealed a "systemic failure" in the company's risk management practices."

What are some alternatives to "systemic failure"?

Alternatives to "systemic failure" include "fundamental breakdown", "widespread collapse", or "institutional decay", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "systemic failure" and "isolated incident"?

"Systemic failure" describes a widespread and deeply ingrained problem, while "isolated incident" refers to a single, non-recurring event. A "systemic failure" indicates a flaw in the system itself, whereas an isolated incident does not necessarily imply such a flaw.