Litany

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'litany' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a repetitive or monotonous recitation or list of words or phrases. Example: During the funeral, the priest recited a litany of the deceased's accomplishments and virtues.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For Tsipras, the youngest leader to hold high office in modern times, what lies ahead is a litany of choices with potentially explosive effect.

The Guardian

The litany of brutality, lawlessness and lack of accountability serves as a reminder of what a horrible decision President Obama made at the outset of his administration to close the books on this chapter in our history, even as he repudiated the use of torture.

The Guardian

A litany of bad economic news sent leading shares lower once more, but engineering group Amec bucked the trend after a positive update.

The Guardian - Business

Though Obama critics can reliably add the NSA's overreach to their litany of complaints about the administration, it does not fit easily into the "angry socialist Muslim" narrative that winds through the other scandals they use to gin up support.

The Guardian - Opinion

As Snowden said, what made him blow his whistle was not the material itself but "the continuing litany of lies" from intelligence chiefs to Congress.

The Guardian - Opinion

Contained within an appeal to the UN Committee Against Torture – the same watchdog that has looked into Guantánamo Bay and the police killing in Ferguson, Missouri – were a litany of tales describing highly damaging abuse and injustice, completely out of step with alleged crimes.

The Guardian

There was just a litany of the lobbies to which Cameron has come to be increasingly in thrall: the publicists for the crazy HS2 and other vanity projects such as the Manchester science centre, the Swansea barrage and the continuing Olympics "legacy".

The Guardian - Opinion

The true legacy of the Olympics is this litany of collapsed deals and broken promises by a confusing array of quangos and companies.

The Guardian - Opinion

It concluded: "The documentary made a litany of claims and assertions that are problematic in a number of ways and which we consider to violate Rwandan law, the BBC's own ethical guidelines and limitations to press freedom.

The Guardian

Former Texas governor Rick Perry blamed Clinton for a litany of foreign policy disasters during the Obama administration.

The Guardian

Bagehot's travels around Britain during this campaign have thrown up a dismal litany of nationalist and regionalist complaint.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "litany" to effectively convey a sense of tediousness or excessive length when describing a series of complaints, problems, or items.

Common error

Avoid using "litany" when a simple list or series would suffice. "Litany" carries a connotation of excessive length and often negativity; ensure it fits the context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "litany" is as a noun. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a repetitive series or enumeration. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its role in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "litany" functions as a noun and denotes a tedious or repetitive series, commonly used to describe complaints or problems. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "series of" or "catalogue of" exist, "litany" specifically implies excess and negativity. When employing this word, ensure the context warrants its connotation of tedium.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A catalogue of

Emphasizes a detailed listing, similar to a litany but with a more neutral tone.

A series of

Focuses on sequential arrangement, implying a connected sequence of events or items.

A stream of

Suggests a continuous flow or outpouring of something, like complaints or information.

A barrage of

Conveys an overwhelming quantity, often used for criticisms or questions.

An enumeration of

Highlights the act of counting or listing items, implying a methodical approach.

A chronicle of

Suggests a historical record or account, focusing on a narrative sequence.

A compilation of

Emphasizes the gathering and assembling of various items into a single collection.

A roll call of

Implies a formal listing, often of names or members in an organization.

A rundown of

Offers a brief summary or overview, often used in business or reporting contexts.

Recitation of

Suggests a more formal or ritualistic tone.

FAQs

How to use "litany" in a sentence?

"Litany" is typically used to describe a long, tedious list, often of complaints or problems. For example: "The politician faced a "litany of criticisms" after the scandal broke".

What can I say instead of "litany"?

You can use alternatives like "series of", "catalogue of", or "stream of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "litany" in formal writing?

Yes, "litany" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the extensive and often negative nature of a list. However, be mindful of the tone and ensure it aligns with the overall message.

What's the difference between "litany" and "list"?

"List" is a neutral term for a collection of items. "Litany" implies a long, often tedious or repetitive series, frequently associated with complaints or problems. Using "litany" adds a layer of negative connotation and emphasis.