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Failure to launch Meaning in English

expression

ˈfeɪɫjɝ/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈɫɔntʃ
FAYL-yer tuh LAWNCH
fˈeɪliə/ /tˈuː/ /lˈɔːntʃ
FAY-lee-uh too LAWNCH

Definition

This expression refers to when a young adult does not move out of their parents' house or does not become independent as expected. It can also describe when something does not start or succeed as planned.

Usage & Nuances

Typically informal and often used when discussing young adults not moving out of their parents' home. Also humorously applied to products, projects, or relationships that do not get started successfully. 'Failure to launch' is often used in media and pop culture.

Example Sentences

He is 28 and still living at home — a classic case of failure to launch.

basic

Many parents worry about their children having a failure to launch.

basic

The project suffered from failure to launch because of budget issues.

basic

There's this whole movie about failure to launch — it's pretty funny.

natural

Every time we try to organize an event, we run into a failure to launch.

natural

Some people with failure to launch just need more time and support to become independent.

natural