the feeling of failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the feeling of failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing emotions related to not achieving a goal or experiencing setbacks. Example: "After receiving the rejection letter, I was overwhelmed by the feeling of failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Have a bad observation, whatever the reason, and you feel like a terrible teacher; the feeling of failure may be equally traumatic and damaging to our sense of self-worth.

The Guardian

The feeling of failure.

The New York Times

There is nothing you can do to take away the disappointment, the feeling of failure.

The Guardian - Sport

Leigh's writing is at its most powerful when she shows herself abandoning her Pollyanna optimism and learning what it means to fully inhabit the feeling of failure.

The Guardian - Books

Compounding the feeling of failure on leaving is the awareness that remaining or future female employees will face the same treatment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ever since writing the worse thing she could think to write about herself, about the shame, grief, humiliation and the feeling of failure that was "always present like a river bed", the fear of what other people thought of her melted away.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The 1st night he retired with the feeling of failure--failure to impress an irksome businessman, to digest his supper, to pinch a hostess's leg, & to catch the view he wanted of Dublin.

The New Yorker

In "Cosby, Cosbyy determinedly ducks the anger and frustration intrinsic to his character's plight, ignoring the feelings of failure and emasculation that accompany job loss.

The New Yorker

The feelings of failure.

Huffington Post

The feelings of failure quickly led to a vicious cycle of guilt, resentment and second-guessing.

HuffPost

And the feelings of failure and embarrassment would threaten to overwhelm me.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing personal experiences, use "the feeling of failure" to accurately convey the emotional impact of setbacks. For example, "Despite my efforts, the project ended with "the feeling of failure" overwhelming me."

Common error

Avoid framing temporary setbacks as definitive failures. Instead of saying "I am a failure", try "I experienced "the feeling of failure" in this instance", which acknowledges the emotion without defining your entire self-worth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the feeling of failure" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a subjective emotional state. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in expressing personal experiences and reactions to setbacks.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the feeling of failure" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe the emotional state following a setback or lack of success. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, its purpose is to convey disappointment and personal reflection. Related phrases include "the sense of inadequacy" and "the sting of defeat". When using this phrase, consider its impact and ensure it accurately represents the specific emotional context, avoiding overgeneralizations. While the phrase is common, consider context and avoid associating the phrase as your whole entire self-worth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sense of inadequacy

Focuses on the internal feeling of not being good enough, a common component of experiencing failure.

the sting of defeat

Emphasizes the painful or unpleasant sensation associated with losing or failing.

the weight of disappointment

Highlights the burden and emotional heaviness that accompany unmet expectations or failures.

the awareness of shortcomings

Focuses on recognizing one's own flaws and limitations, which can contribute to feeling like a failure.

the experience of setback

Refers to a hindrance or reversal in progress, often leading to frustration and a sense of failure.

the agony of not succeeding

Emphasizes the intense pain and distress caused by the lack of success or achievement.

the burden of unfulfilled expectations

Highlights the pressure and responsibility felt when expectations are not met, leading to potential feelings of failure.

the frustration of unrealized potential

Focuses on the disappointment of not reaching one's full capabilities, contributing to a sense of wasted opportunity.

the perception of incompetence

Centers on the belief that one lacks the necessary skills or abilities, leading to a feeling of inadequacy and failure.

the distress of non-achievement

Emphasizes the suffering and anguish associated with not accomplishing desired goals or outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "the feeling of failure" in a sentence?

You can use "the feeling of failure" to describe the emotional state after a setback. For example, "After the project's cancellation, I couldn't shake "the feeling of failure"."

What phrases can I use instead of "the feeling of failure"?

Alternatives include "the sense of disappointment", "the experience of setback", or "the sense of inadequacy", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a feeling of failure" instead of "the feeling of failure"?

Both are grammatically correct, but ""the feeling of failure"" is more specific and often refers to a particular instance or a generalized experience, while "a feeling of failure" may refer to a more transient or individual emotion.

What's the difference between "the feeling of failure" and "the fear of failure"?

"The feeling of failure" describes the emotion experienced after a setback, whereas "the fear of failure" describes the anxiety experienced before attempting something, influencing decisions and actions.