a bad ending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bad ending" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the conclusion of a story, film, or any narrative that is unsatisfactory or disappointing. Example: "Many fans were upset because the movie had a bad ending that left too many questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

She observed the ending as "a rather open-ended one, and while it wasn't a bad ending, they probably should have thought of something better".

Wikipedia

That's not a bad ending in New York, is it?

The New York Times - Sports

A bad ending can sink a really good idea.

The Guardian - Books

"Sorry, that was a bad ending on my part," he called out.

The New Yorker

My life wasn't a movie and I wasn't John Rambo, but the same possibilities for a bad ending loomed.

The New York Times

Among other inflammatory remarks, he also claimed that until the Ahmadi community suffers "a bad ending, matters will not improve".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

(Manon comes to a bad end, though).

The New Yorker

His mistress has come to a bad end.

The New Yorker

Max and Motty came to a bad end too.

The New York Times - Books

Such attempts almost always come to a bad end.

Britannica

Many of them, predictably, came to a bad end.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing narratives, use "a bad ending" to clearly convey dissatisfaction with how the story concludes. However, try to follow up with specific reasons instead of relying on such a generic wording.

Common error

Avoid solely relying on "a bad ending" without elaborating on why the ending is unsatisfactory. Instead, provide specific details such as plot holes, rushed resolutions, or character inconsistencies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad ending" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a correct and usable expression for describing an unsatisfactory conclusion. Examples show its usage in discussing films, stories, and even real-life situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

20%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bad ending" is a common and grammatically sound way to express dissatisfaction with the conclusion of a narrative, event, or situation. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. While widely understood, it's best used with specific details to enhance clarity and impact. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it offers a straightforward means to convey a negative assessment. For variety, consider alternatives like "a disappointing finale" or "an unfortunate conclusion", but ensure they fit the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unfortunate conclusion

Replaces "bad" with "unfortunate", focusing on the negative aspect of the ending.

a disappointing finale

Substitutes both "bad" and "ending" with synonyms emphasizing dissatisfaction.

an unfavorable outcome

Shifts the focus from the narrative aspect to the result or consequence.

a tragic resolution

Implies a more severe and sorrowful conclusion.

a regrettable finish

Uses "regrettable" to convey a sense of remorse or disappointment regarding the ending.

a poor result

Focuses on the inadequacy of the outcome.

a negative culmination

Replaces "ending" with a more formal term, "culmination", suggesting a negative final point.

a sour conclusion

Uses "sour" to describe the unpleasant nature of the ending.

an undesirable termination

Replaces both "bad" and "ending" with more formal synonyms, emphasizing the unwelcomed nature.

a failed resolution

Suggests that the ending did not achieve its intended purpose or goal.

FAQs

How can I use "a bad ending" in a sentence?

You can use "a bad ending" to describe the conclusion of a story, film, or event that is unsatisfactory. For example: "The film had /s/a+disappointing+finale target="_blank" rel="nofollow">a disappointing finale, which many viewers considered "a tragic resolution".

What can I say instead of "a bad ending"?

Alternatives include "an unfortunate conclusion", "a disappointing finale", or "an unfavorable outcome", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to describe something as having "a bad ending"?

Yes, the phrase "a bad ending" inherently carries a negative connotation, implying that the conclusion was undesirable or unsatisfactory. However, sometimes a "bad ending" can be artistically effective, such as in a tragedy or cautionary tale. The phrase still express the actual result, but it might be appreciated in retrospect.

Which is more appropriate, "a bad ending" or "a poor ending"?

Both "a bad ending" and "a poor ending" are acceptable, but "a bad ending" is more commonly used to describe narratives or events, while "a poor ending" might be used in a broader context. You could also consider "an unfavorable outcome".