- To fail to achieve the intended goal, standard, or desired effect.
- To be inaccurate, inappropriate, or unsuccessful in some way.
Explanation
Origin
- Derived from archery or target shooting, where an arrow or shot literally fails to hit the target (the mark).
- The metaphor extends to any situation where an aim or objective is not met.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Bombed. (Failed badly, esp. performances, jokes)
- Flopped. (Failed, often commercially)
- Didn't land. (For points, jokes, ideas that weren't received well)
- Was off. / Felt off.
- Laid an egg. (Failed, produced a poor result)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Completely fucked it up. / Screwed the pooch.
- Shit the bed. (UK/Aus informal failed badly/spectacularly)
Milder/More Formal:
- It didn't meet expectations/objectives.
- It fell short of the required standard.
- It was unsuccessful.
- It proved inadequate.
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate for both informal and formal contexts, including business evaluations, critiques, and reviews.
- It's critical but generally considered a constructive way to point out failure without being overly harsh.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally straightforward. Ensure the context clarifies *what* goal or standard wasn't met.
Examples
- The advertising campaign completely missed the mark with its target audience.
- His attempt at humor missed the mark and just offended people.
- The report was well-written, but the conclusions missed the mark.
Dialogue
Marketing Manager: How did the presentation go? Did the clients like the new proposal?
Team Member: Not really. I think our approach missed the mark. They felt it didn't address their core concerns.
Marketing Manager: Okay. We need to rethink this. What were their main objections?
Social Media Examples
- Movie review: The sequel had potential but ultimately missed the mark. Lost the magic of the original. #moviereview #disappointed
- Comment on a policy: This new regulation means well, but it misses the mark on practical implementation. #policy #fail
- Self-critique: My attempt at baking sourdough... definitely missed the mark. Better luck next time! 😂 #bakingfail
Response Patterns
- Yeah, I agree. It wasn't quite right.
- Really? How so? / In what way?
- What do you think they should have done instead?
- That's a shame. They put a lot of effort in.
- Disagreement: I don't know, I thought it was pretty good.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- After How so?: Explaining *why* it failed or what was wrong with it.
- Analyzing the reasons for the failure.
- Discussing potential improvements or alternative approaches.
- Expressing agreement and shared disappointment.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's an evaluative statement about something specific.
Intonation
- Usually said with a critical or disappointed tone.
- Stress falls on MISSED and MARK. It MISSED the MARK.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations, perhaps slightly more prevalent in professional or analytical contexts.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.