a colossal failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a colossal failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, project, or endeavor that has failed on a large scale or in a significant way. Example: "The company's attempt to launch the new product was a colossal failure, resulting in significant financial losses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What a colossal failure!

Independent

Tactically, the offensive was a colossal failure.

Britannica

Yushchenko's Presidency was, by all accounts, a colossal failure.

The New Yorker

The sale, however, has proved to be a colossal failure.

The New York Times

Yet "A Colossal Failure of Common Sense" largely rings true.

The Economist

To him, it represented a colossal failure of nerve.

Harvard Business Review

It's also a colossal failure of protecting the public health".

The New York Times

Who knew being such a colossal failure could pay off so much?

Harvard University

Even those charged with its implementation admitted that impressment was a colossal failure.

The New York Times

The American Enterprise Institute, a right-wing think-tank, has dismissed Sarbox as a "colossal failure".

The Economist

I didn't want to face him: I felt like a colossal failure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a colossal failure" to emphasize the magnitude and impact of a failed undertaking. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts when you want to highlight the significance of the failure.

Common error

Avoid using "a colossal failure" in very casual conversations. While generally acceptable, simpler terms like "total flop" or "complete disaster" might be more appropriate for everyday informal use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a colossal failure" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object complement. It describes something that has failed on a grand scale. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a colossal failure" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a significant and impactful failure. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object complement, and is primarily used to express strong disapproval or disappointment. While appropriate for formal writing, it can also be used in neutral contexts like news reports. The phrase is very common, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. Alternatives include "a monumental failure", "a resounding failure", and "a spectacular failure", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a monumental failure

Emphasizes the large scale and lasting impact of the failure.

a resounding failure

Highlights the clear and unambiguous nature of the failure.

a spectacular failure

Suggests the failure was particularly noticeable or dramatic.

an utter disaster

Focuses on the disastrous consequences of the failure.

a complete fiasco

Implies a chaotic and embarrassing failure.

a total flop

A more informal term for a complete and unsuccessful failure.

a dismal failure

Emphasizes the disheartening and depressing aspect of the failure.

a crushing defeat

Highlights the feeling of being overwhelmed by the failure.

a miserable showing

Focuses on the poor performance that led to the failure.

a dead loss

Indicates a complete waste of effort or resources.

FAQs

How can I use "a colossal failure" in a sentence?

You can use "a colossal failure" to describe something that has failed spectacularly. For example, "The project's mismanagement led to "a colossal failure" resulting in significant losses."

What are some alternatives to saying "a colossal failure"?

Alternatives include "a monumental failure", "a resounding failure", or "a spectacular failure", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a colossal failure" in formal writing?

Yes, "a colossal failure" is appropriate for formal writing. It effectively conveys the magnitude of a failure in reports, analyses, and other professional documents.

What's the difference between "a colossal failure" and "a minor setback"?

"A colossal failure" describes a significant and impactful failure, whereas "a minor setback" refers to a small, temporary obstacle that doesn't significantly hinder progress.