unexpected failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unexpected failure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where something has failed in a way that was not anticipated or foreseen. Example: "The system experienced an unexpected failure during the critical update, causing significant delays in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its unexpected failure may result in machine breakdown.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Ramirez, C. L. et al. Unexpected failure rates for modular assembly of engineered zinc fingers.

Nature

The unexpected failure of different structure components subjected to aggressive hydrogen environment and cycling are known.

Procedia Engineering

It can cause unexpected failure of medical and dental implants in the human body.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The unexpected failure of output-per-hour to rebound after the financial crisis has been dubbed the "productivity puzzle".

The Guardian - Business

Rivera's ability to deal with that unexpected failure has enabled him to rebound and succeed time and time again.

The New York Times

An unexpected failure of a power transformer can cause severe production damage and significant loss throughput the power grid.

Computers & Industrial Engineering

Analyzing loading profiles prevents the over design or under design of components, which may lead to wastage or unexpected failure.

Measurement

The Fatigue Crack Growth (FCG) is one of the main processes that can lead to unexpected failure of mechanical components.

Journal of Constructional Steel Research

In AM components, as in all engineering materials, fatigue is considered as one of the principle causes of unexpected failure.

Mechanics Research Communications

Test geometry with different notch lengths was considered to obtain a standard specimen configuration without any unexpected failure.

Construction and Building Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unexpected failure", consider the specific context and choose synonyms like "unforeseen breakdown" or "sudden malfunction" for greater precision. Ensure your sentence clearly communicates the impact of the failure.

Common error

Avoid pairing "unexpected failure" with equally vague descriptions of its consequences. Instead of saying "it caused problems", specify what those problems were: "it caused significant delays" or "it compromised data integrity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unexpected failure" functions as a noun phrase, where "unexpected" modifies the noun "failure". It describes a situation where something has failed in a way that was not anticipated. Ludwig examples show its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unexpected failure" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an unanticipated breakdown or malfunction. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usability, especially in scientific, news, and formal contexts. To enhance your writing, use synonyms like "unforeseen breakdown" or "sudden malfunction" for precision, and always specify the consequences of the failure to avoid vagueness. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively communicate about unexpected events in any setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unforeseen breakdown

Replaces "failure" with "breakdown", implying a sudden and complete loss of functionality that was not anticipated.

sudden malfunction

Emphasizes the abruptness and operational nature of the failure, using "malfunction" to suggest an issue with functionality.

surprise collapse

Uses "collapse" to indicate a more dramatic and complete failure, highlighting the element of surprise.

unanticipated glitch

Substitutes "failure" with "glitch", implying a minor or temporary problem that was not expected.

unexpected setback

Replaces "failure" with "setback", focusing on the hindering effect of the failure on progress or plans.

unpredicted incident

Broadens the scope from a specific "failure" to a general "incident" that was not predicted.

surprise interruption

Focuses on the disruptive aspect of the failure, using "interruption" to emphasize the cessation of a process or activity.

unforeseen complication

Highlights the problematic aspect of the failure, presenting it as a "complication" that was not foreseen.

sudden cessation

Emphasizes the abrupt ending or halt caused by the failure, using "cessation" to indicate a complete stop.

unanticipated issue

Replaces "failure" with the more general term "issue", indicating a problem that was not anticipated.

FAQs

What's the difference between "unexpected failure" and "sudden failure"?

"Unexpected failure" implies the event was not anticipated, while "sudden failure" emphasizes the quickness or abruptness of the event. While often interchangeable, "unexpected" focuses on anticipation, and "sudden" focuses on timing.

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

You can use "unexpected failure" to describe situations where something stops working in an unanticipated way. For example: "The project suffered an "unexpected failure" during testing", or "An "unexpected failure" in the power grid caused widespread outages".

What can I say instead of "unexpected failure"?

You can use alternatives like "unforeseen breakdown", "sudden malfunction", or "unanticipated glitch", depending on the context and the severity of the event.

Is "unexpected failure" a formal or informal phrase?

"Unexpected failure" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.