verge of failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "verge of failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is very close to failing or collapsing. Example: "The project was on the verge of failure due to lack of funding and support from the stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Of course," Nachman said, his voice hoarse, on the verge of failure.

The New Yorker

Is he confident that a major bank on the verge of failure could be successfully dismantled?

The New York Times

By the time A.I.G. was on the verge of failure, the government's options were limited.

The New York Times

The verge of failure is always close and this gives the story much of its quiet tension.

The New York Times

"We have many businesses on the verge of failure, not just in lower Manhattan but across the city.

The New York Times - Arts

If the whole American effort seems on the verge of failure it is due to the absence of S. Vietnamese leadership & lack of social & political motivation.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

But he needed dialysis immediately, and he was on the verge of heart failure.

The New York Times

They warned the government that the voluntary system, which provides accommodation in local authorities for those seeking refugee status, was on the verge of "catastrophic failure".

The Guardian

Also, the method permits to identify the samples in the safe domain that are on the verge of the failure domain, which constitute the so-called critical realizations or worst-case scenarios.

Probabilistic Engineering Mechanics

The organ of St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, a fixture on New York's church music scene, "is on the verge of catastrophic failure" and could "go silent at any moment," the organist, John Scott, said in a flier handed out to concertgoers last week.

The New York Times

Relatively speaking, Infiniti is a war-weary veteran, starting life way back in 1989 and always on the verge of utter failure since.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "verge of failure", ensure the context clearly indicates what is at risk of failing. For example, specify whether it's a business, a project, or a system.

Common error

Avoid using "verge of failure" to describe minor setbacks. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the potential consequences are significant and far-reaching.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "verge of failure" typically functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates that the subject is in a state of near collapse or imminent breakdown, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "verge of failure" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something nearing collapse, according to Ludwig. It functions as an adjective phrase that conveys urgency and high risk. Found predominantly in news and media sources, as well as scientific and business contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Alternatives like "on the brink of collapse" offer similar meanings, but "verge of failure" provides a widely recognized and impactful way to underscore the precariousness of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the brink of collapse

Emphasizes the imminence of a breakdown or downfall.

facing imminent failure

Emphasizes that failure is likely to happen very soon.

at the point of collapse

Stresses the specific moment just before failure occurs.

close to failing

A more straightforward way of expressing that something is nearly failing.

in danger of failing

Highlights the risk and possibility of failure.

on the edge of ruin

Highlights the potential for devastation and destruction.

on its last legs

An idiomatic expression indicating that something is in very poor condition and likely to fail soon.

nearing its end

Focuses on the approaching termination or cessation of something.

approaching breakdown

Indicates that a system or process is nearing a state where it will no longer function.

about to crash

Suggests a sudden and dramatic failure.

FAQs

How can I use "verge of failure" in a sentence?

You can use "verge of failure" to describe something that is very close to collapsing or failing. For example: "The company was on the verge of failure due to poor management."

What is a good alternative to "verge of failure"?

Alternatives to "verge of failure" include "on the brink of collapse", "close to failing", or "nearing its end" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "verge of failure" in formal writing?

Yes, "verge of failure" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing serious situations in business, politics, or science.

What does it mean when something is described as being "on the verge"?

Being "on the verge" means that something is very close to happening or experiencing a particular state. So, "verge of failure" means close to failing.