What is the difference between a "no lift" and a "failed attempt"?

The correct answer highlights that a "no lift" is called when the lift does not meet the established criteria set by the IPF rules. In powerlifting, referees evaluate each lift based on specific standards, including proper technique, depth, and pauses, among others. If any of these criteria are not satisfied during the attempt, the lift will be deemed a "no lift," regardless of whether the lifter was able to execute the lift in a physical sense.

This term is distinct from a "failed attempt," which refers specifically to cases where a lifter fails to successfully complete the lift in any form, often due to the inability to lift the weight at all. While both terms indicate that the lift did not count for a successful score, "no lift" directly ties to the criteria set for a valid lift and indicates that the attempt might have been physically completed, but not within the accepted judging standards. Thus, the choice underscores the importance of rule adherence in determining the outcome of an attempt in competition.