failure of + thing
Naming what failed
Use failure of to identify a machine, plan, system, or process that stopped working or was unsuccessful.
The accident resulted from the failure of the brakes.
Using prepositions with "failure"
Failure commonly combines with of, in, and to. The phrase for failure is usually part of a larger expression about a reason or penalty.
Quick answer
Do we say "of failure" or "for failure"?
Failure of is standard when naming what failed. Failure for is uncommon as a direct combination with the noun. English more often uses failure in, failure to, or punishment for failure. In many cases, for introduces a reason connected to another noun or verb.
The report examined the failure of the system.
Her failure to reply caused delays.
He was criticized for failure to follow instructions.
Her failure to reply caused delays.
He was criticized for failure to follow instructions.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
failure to + verb
Showing something not done
Failure to is followed by a base verb.
The failure to communicate clearly caused confusion.
failure in + area
Describing weakness in performance
Use failure in for a field, activity, or responsibility.
There was a serious failure in leadership.
for failure to + verb
Giving a reason for criticism or punishment
For failure usually belongs to a larger phrase such as punishment for failure to comply.
The company received a fine for failure to report the data.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
of failure
The phrase "of failure" usually needs a larger structure such as risk of failure.
not a fixed standalone pattern
for failure
He was dismissed for failure to meet deadlines.
reason or basis for an action
failure of
The failure of the engine delayed the flight.
what failed
failure to
Their failure to plan caused problems.
something not done
failure in
The review found failure in communication.
weakness in an area
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using "for failure" as the main noun pattern
Failure usually takes of, in, or to directly after it.
✕ the failure for the system ✓ the failure of the systemAdding -ing after "failure to"
Use the base verb after to.
✕ failure to reporting the issue ✓ failure to report the issueConfusing "failure in" and "failure of"
Failure of names what failed; failure in names the area of weakness.
✓ a failure in managementLeaving "for failure" incomplete
For failure normally introduces a fuller phrase.
✕ They were punished for failure. ✓ They were punished for failure to comply.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The investigation focused on the failure ___ the safety system.
2. Their failure ___ respond quickly increased costs.
3. The firm was fined for failure ___ follow regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
Is "failure of" correct?
Yes. It is the standard way to identify what failed.
Can I say "failure for"?
Usually only in larger phrases such as punishment for failure to comply.
What comes after "failure to"?
Use the base form of a verb, such as failure to respond.
Related preposition guides
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