Downright outrageous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Downright outrageous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong disapproval or shock regarding a situation or behavior that is considered unacceptable or extreme. Example: "The price increase for basic necessities during a crisis is downright outrageous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It's downright outrageous.

The New York Times - Sports

AS THE famous, the glamorous and the downright outrageous take their seats on March 24th for Hollywood's annual orgy of self-congratulation, there will be less backslapping than usual.

The Economist

"A link is not necessarily an endorsement, but a way to say 'you go judge for yourself.' " Let the blogger beware, though, of "link bait" — provocative or downright outrageous postings that some bloggers write merely to lure traffic.

The New York Times

Edgar Forbes, a media law consultant, said last week: "While much of the media coverage over the past 10 months has been as unhelpful as it has been inaccurate, some of it has been downright outrageous". Last week, the Express removed all references to the McCanns from its online archive.

The Guardian

There seems, in short, to be a quite stunning lack of understanding that a museum recreating and exploring the crimes of such a notorious killer of women, inviting visitors to pose with dummy corpses and have "fun" while imagining themselves in the shoes of terrified victims, might be offensive – or downright outrageous.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whether your ideas are extremely practical, or downright outrageous, plain simple or extremely complex: everyone is creative!

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The idea of following a spiritual path in such a place seems outrageous and downright insane.

Huffington Post

It is outrageous — and downright dangerous — that the nation's press will not tell Americans the truth about the Obama administration's unethical and even criminal conduct.

Los Angeles Times

Outraged and Outrageous.

University of California, Berkeley

As the crazy protracted carnival of the presidential election rolls forward with ever more outrageous rhetoric, spin, downright lies, and "gotcha" moments, it bears remembering what's on television usually has little to do with reality.

Huffington Post

And I stand with Rep. Bachmann's former presidential campaign chief, Edward Rollins, who said in an editorial published by Fox News that what Rep. Bachmann has done is "outrageous," "false," "extreme," "unsubstantiated," "downright vicious and reaches the late Senator Joe McCarthy level".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "downright outrageous" to express a strong negative reaction to something that seems morally wrong or completely unreasonable. For emphasis, consider pairing it with other strong adjectives.

Common error

While "downright outrageous" is perfectly acceptable, be mindful of its slightly informal tone. In highly formal or academic writing, consider using more restrained synonyms like "completely unacceptable" or "utterly indefensible."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "downright outrageous" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, expressing a strong degree of disapproval or shock. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is acceptable and usable. It serves to emphasize the extreme nature of something deemed unacceptable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "downright outrageous" is a grammatically sound and usable adjective phrase employed to express a strong sense of shock, disapproval, or unacceptability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not overly formal, it's suitable for various contexts, especially news and media, though more formal synonyms may be preferred in academic writing. The phrase effectively emphasizes the extreme nature of something considered unacceptable, aiming to evoke a similar negative reaction in the audience. Alternatives like "utterly unacceptable" or "absolutely scandalous" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Be mindful of overuse and consider the context when choosing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Absolutely scandalous

Emphasizes the shocking and morally offensive nature of something.

Utterly unacceptable

Focuses on the lack of acceptability of a particular action or situation.

Completely indefensible

Highlights the impossibility of justifying or defending something.

Totally appalling

Stresses the shocking and disturbing nature of something.

Beyond belief

Emphasizes the incredibility of a situation or action.

Simply preposterous

Indicates that something is absurd and ridiculous.

Inexcusable behavior

Highlights that something cannot be forgiven or justified.

Unconscionable act

Points out that something is unscrupulous and shocking.

Blatantly offensive

Focuses on the obvious and intentional nature of the offense.

Egregiously wrong

Emphasizes the flagrant and serious nature of a mistake or wrongdoing.

FAQs

How can I use "downright outrageous" in a sentence?

"Downright outrageous" is typically used to describe something that is extremely shocking or unacceptable. For example, "The company's decision to cut employee benefits while increasing executive bonuses is "downright outrageous"."

What are some synonyms for "downright outrageous"?

Alternatives to "downright outrageous" include "utterly unacceptable", "absolutely scandalous", or "completely indefensible". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "downright outrageous" suitable for formal writing?

While "downright outrageous" is widely understood, it leans towards the informal side. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "wholly unacceptable" or "patently unjust" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "outrageous" and "downright outrageous"?

Adding "downright" intensifies the adjective "outrageous", emphasizing a stronger feeling of shock or indignation. "Outrageous" alone indicates something is shocking or unacceptable, but "downright outrageous" suggests it's extremely so.