the system failed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the system failed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where a system did not perform as expected or did not function properly. Example: "After several attempts to access the database, it became clear that the system failed, leaving us unable to retrieve any information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What is clear is that the system failed him — and that it probably will fail others.

The Washington Post

The system failed me then and it's failing others now.

The Guardian

Has the system failed?

The New Yorker

The system failed them.

The Guardian

The system failed him.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Unfortunately, the system failed," Ms. James said.

The New York Times

The system failed," he said.

The Guardian

The system failed this couple.

The Guardian - Business

"The system failed from top to bottom.

The Guardian

"In the case of Rilya, the system failed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The system failed her.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the system failed", specify which system you are referring to, and provide context about the consequences of the failure. For example: "The healthcare system failed many vulnerable patients during the pandemic, leading to preventable deaths."

Common error

Avoid using "the system failed" without providing specific details. Instead of stating "the system failed", clarify what aspect of the system was deficient and what the specific results were. Example: instead of just stating that “the system failed”, specify that “the security system failed to detect the intrusion attempt.”

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the system failed" functions as a declarative statement, asserting that a particular system did not perform its intended function or achieve its expected outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is perfectly valid in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the system failed" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to indicate that a particular system did not function as intended. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, expressing disappointment or concern about a specific outcome. When employing this phrase, consider providing specific details about the system and the nature of its failure to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the system didn't work

A simple and direct way to state the system's failure.

the system malfunctioned

Focuses on a technical problem or error within the system.

the system broke down

Implies a complete failure or cessation of operation.

the system proved inadequate

Highlights the system's inability to meet the required needs or standards.

the system was ineffective

Emphasizes the lack of desired results or impact from the system.

the mechanism faltered

Suggests a weakening or unsteady performance leading to failure.

the procedure collapsed

Describes the complete breakdown of an established set of actions.

the process went awry

Indicates that a sequence of steps deviated from its intended course.

the apparatus crashed

Used when physical equipment or digital infrastructures has stopped working unexpectedly.

the network went down

Relates specifically to a communication or technological infrastructure that becomes non-operational.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "the system failed"?

When someone says "the system failed", it generally means that a particular process, organization, or set of rules did not function as intended or did not achieve its expected outcome. It implies a breakdown or deficiency in how something was supposed to work.

How can I use "the system failed" in a sentence?

You can use "the system failed" to describe a situation where a specific structure or procedure did not perform its intended function. For example: "In the case of Rilya, "the system failed" to protect her from harm."

What are some alternatives to saying "the system failed"?

Some alternatives to "the system failed" include phrases like "the system malfunctioned", "the system broke down", or "the system proved inadequate". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "the system failed" or "the system was a failure"?

Both "the system failed" and "the system was a failure" can be correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "The system failed" describes a specific event or instance of non-performance, while "the system was a failure" is a more general assessment of the system's overall ineffectiveness.