a catastrophic mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a catastrophic mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a significant error that has severe consequences or implications. Example: "The decision to ignore the warning signs proved to be a catastrophic mistake for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I thought it was a catastrophic mistake.

The New York Times - Sports

"That was a catastrophic mistake," Deutsch said.

The New Yorker

"It was a catastrophic mistake.

The Guardian

But it is also a catastrophic mistake.

The Guardian

That was a catastrophic mistake that helped create today's mess.

The New York Times

He has a free hand to make a catastrophic mistake".

The New York Times

And, finally, managers made a catastrophic mistake by initially dismissing the fire alarm.

The New York Times

Scott views the decision to get rid of Byker in 2006 – followed closely by Grange Hill – as "a catastrophic mistake".

Independent

He was "in a state of delirium" the night of the assault, Mr. Farrell added, and "made a catastrophic mistake".

The New York Times

Merkel, who Trump charged with making a "catastrophic mistake" by agreeing to take in a million refugees, was more gracious.

The New Yorker

He said they made "a catastrophic mistake" in "the reckless way in which they pulled out" of Iraq.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a catastrophic mistake", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the severe and far-reaching consequences of the error. Provide specific examples to illustrate the extent of the damage or negative impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a catastrophic mistake" for minor errors or situations with limited impact. Reserve this phrase for situations where the consequences are genuinely severe and widespread to maintain credibility and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a catastrophic mistake" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and characterizes a specific error as having disastrous consequences, aligning with the examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a catastrophic mistake" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe a severe error with disastrous consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent usage across various authoritative sources, particularly in the news and media. When using this phrase, ensure the context genuinely reflects the gravity of the error to maintain impact and credibility. Alternatives like "a disastrous error" or "a grave miscalculation" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disastrous error

Focuses on the disastrous nature of the error, highlighting its destructive impact.

a grave miscalculation

Emphasizes the misjudgment aspect, suggesting a serious error in assessment or planning.

a fatal flaw

Highlights a critical weakness that leads to failure.

an unmitigated disaster

Stresses the complete and utter failure, leaving no room for positive outcomes.

a monumental blunder

Focuses on the immense scale and impact of the error.

a colossal failure

Highlights the magnitude and completeness of the failure.

a devastating error

Emphasizes the destructive and harmful consequences of the mistake.

a critical error

Highlights the importance and severity of the error in a particular situation.

a major oversight

Focuses on the aspect of neglect or failure to notice something important.

a regrettable lapse

Highlights the unfortunate and blameworthy nature of the mistake.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a catastrophic mistake" in a sentence?

To use "a catastrophic mistake" effectively, provide context that emphasizes the severe and far-reaching consequences of the error. For example, "Ignoring the safety protocols was "a catastrophic mistake" that led to the factory explosion".

What are some alternatives to "a catastrophic mistake"?

You can use alternatives such as "a disastrous error", "a grave miscalculation", or "a fatal flaw" to convey a similar meaning depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a catastrophic mistake" in formal writing?

Yes, "a catastrophic mistake" can be used in formal writing when describing situations with severe consequences. However, ensure that the context justifies the strong language to maintain credibility. Using alternatives like "a critical error" might be more suitable in some formal contexts.

When should I avoid using "a catastrophic mistake"?

Avoid using "a catastrophic mistake" when describing minor errors or situations with limited impact. Overusing strong language can diminish its effect and credibility. Consider alternatives such as "a minor oversight" or "a simple mistake" for less severe errors.