systems failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "systems failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a system does not function as intended or breaks down completely. Example: "The recent outage was attributed to a systems failure that affected multiple departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

McEwan said: Last night's systems failure was unacceptable.

The Guardian - Business

The cause of death was sudden systems failure.

The New York Times

Smells like a significant systems failure to me.

The New York Times

"This was a catastrophic systems failure," one senior official said.

The New York Times

McEwan said: "Monday night's systems failure was unacceptable.

The Guardian - Business

Still, setting aside the systems failure, by 9 a.m.

The Washington Post

They view the free-market motorway pile-up of last autumn as a total systems failure.

The Guardian - Opinion

They rebooted a team that usually has a systems failure under similar conditions.

The New York Times - Sports

Astronauts have been struggling with a systems failure on board the International Space Station.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then a systems failure forced the two-man crew to manually guide re-entry.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Call centre staff make no attempt to take callers' details and just reiterate 'systems failure'.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In reports, follow up a mention of "systems failure" with details on the impact and steps taken to mitigate the consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "systems failure" as a vague explanation without providing specifics. Detail the underlying cause to avoid ambiguity and provide meaningful insight into the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "systems failure" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It is used to identify a situation where a system, whether technical, organizational, or biological, has ceased to function correctly. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across varied examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "systems failure" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the breakdown of a system. As per Ludwig AI's analysis, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While often used neutrally, it can also carry tones of blame or urgency, especially in reporting or analysis. Consider alternatives like "system breakdown" or "operational failure" for nuanced meanings. Avoid vagueness by specifying the type and cause of the "systems failure" whenever possible to ensure clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

system breakdown

Focuses on the cessation of function within a system, highlighting a more immediate loss of operation.

system malfunction

Indicates impaired or abnormal function rather than complete cessation, implying a possible partial operational state.

operational failure

Emphasizes the inability of a system to perform its intended operations, applicable especially to business or technical contexts.

technical fault

Highlights a flaw in the technical aspects of a system that leads to failure.

infrastructure collapse

Refers to the breakdown of fundamental support systems, like power grids or transportation networks.

equipment failure

Specifies that the breakdown occurred in the physical equipment of the system.

network outage

Focuses on the inaccessibility or failure of a network-based system.

service disruption

Highlights the interruption of a service provided by a system, affecting users.

complete failure

Emphasizes the totality of the failure, leaving no functional parts.

component failure

Highlights the malfunction of a specific part which results in a wider breakdown.

FAQs

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

You can use "systems failure" to describe a breakdown or malfunction within a complex operational structure. For instance: "The power outage was caused by a major "systems failure" at the main substation."

What are some alternatives to "systems failure"?

Alternatives include "system breakdown", "system malfunction", or "operational failure" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "system failure" or "systems failure"?

"Systems failure" is generally preferred when referring to a complex, interconnected set of components that have failed. "System failure" might be appropriate if discussing a failure within a single, isolated system.

What's the difference between "systems failure" and "human error"?

"Systems failure" refers to a malfunction within a system's design or operation, while "human error" indicates a mistake made by a person. A "systems failure" might be caused by "human error", or vice versa.