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# special measures

phrase (noun phrase, plural; in special measures, put into special measures)

«special measures» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (official, UK) the status given to a school, hospital or service that is failing badly, so it is closely watched and must improve fast.
2. generally, extra steps taken in an unusual situation.

### In the lessons

Used by UK inspectors, councils and news; the calm phrase stands for a failing school or hospital; official, UK.

### Examples

- The school was put into special measures after the inspection.
- The hospital came out of special measures after two years.
- Parents were shocked that the school was in special measures.
- The council took special measures to clear the snow.
- A new head teacher was brought in to lift the school out of special measures.
- "Special measures" sounds nice, but it means the school is failing.

### Note

In English school inspections it is worse than "requires improvement". Stands for "failing". The general sense (extra steps) is neutral.