a bad outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bad outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the negative results or consequences of a situation or action. Example: "If we don't address the issue promptly, we could face a bad outcome that affects the entire project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a bad outcome.

Yale University

That might not be a bad outcome.

The Economist

Could there be a bad outcome?

The Guardian - Travel

This would indeed be a bad outcome.

The New York Times

But it was a bad outcome for the Yankees.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a bad outcome for financial services.

The Guardian

As in most germ games, a bad outcome is guaranteed.

MIT Technology Review

Windows creates risk; Windows tempts a bad outcome.

The New York Times - Magazine

Every malpractice claim starts with a bad outcome.

The New York Times

Yet a grand coalition would still be a bad outcome.

The Economist

It can lead to a bad outcome, like a heart attack or stroke.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bad outcome", ensure the context clearly establishes what actions or situations led to the unfavorable result. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a bad outcome" without specifying what action or situation it stems from. Saying "The project had a bad outcome" is less effective than "Due to poor planning, the project had a bad outcome."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad outcome" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to an undesirable or unfavorable result or consequence. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bad outcome" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for describing undesirable results across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its prevalence in news, academic, and scientific domains. When writing, remember to provide clear context to what might cause such an outcome. While alternatives like "a negative result" or "an unfavorable consequence" exist, "a bad outcome" remains a direct and effective way to convey concern or caution about potential negative repercussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a negative result

Focuses more directly on the result itself being negative, rather than the broader implications of an 'outcome'.

an unfavorable consequence

Emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship and the negative impact of the consequence.

a detrimental effect

Highlights the damaging or harmful impact of the situation.

a regrettable development

Adds a sense of disappointment or sorrow about the way things have unfolded.

a poor showing

Refers to performance or results that are below expectations.

a failed attempt

Focuses on the lack of success in achieving a specific goal.

an unfortunate event

Emphasizes the element of bad luck or chance in the situation.

a calamitous situation

Signifies a disastrous or catastrophic set of circumstances.

a disappointing conclusion

Highlights the unsatisfactory end result or resolution.

an undesirable state of affairs

Indicates an unwelcome or problematic situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bad outcome" to describe the result of a situation or decision that is undesirable. For example, "Ignoring safety protocols can lead to "a bad outcome"."

What are some alternatives to "a bad outcome"?

Alternatives to "a bad outcome" include "a negative result", "an unfavorable consequence", or "a detrimental effect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a more formal way to say "a bad outcome"?

Yes, in more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "an unfavorable consequence" or "a detrimental effect" instead of "a bad outcome".

What's the difference between "a bad outcome" and "a negative outcome"?

While similar, "a bad outcome" often implies a broader range of negative consequences, whereas "a negative outcome" might simply refer to an undesirable result without necessarily implying severe repercussions.