a complete washout

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complete washout" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that has failed completely or has been unsuccessful. Example: "The outdoor concert was a complete washout due to the heavy rain, and many attendees left disappointed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

GAH! Yet the plan wasn't a complete washout.

The Guardian - Travel

In the same hour, WB's "Bedford Diaries" was a complete washout, with 1.9 million viewers.

The New York Times

Yes, this off-season will not be a complete washout for the Mets.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not a complete washout, but neither is it an insignificant amount of water.

The Guardian - Music

In recent years, the fair has netted from $59,465 to $3,165 on a complete washout.

The New York Times

The Georgia-born Mr. Gaines says that as a Juilliard acting student he was a complete washout in dance classes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The short half-life of AIs and the administration of these drugs during early follicular phase from Day 3 to Day 7 of the cycle leave a sufficient interval for complete washout to occur before fertilization and implantation.

Human Reproduction Update

In contrast to the tendency of late and variable washout of HCC, rapid and complete washout is an invariable characteristic of metastasis on CEUS.

Cancer Imaging

It should be noted that, in the absence of barium, reapplication of serotonin after complete washout of the effects of a first application elicited depolarizing effects similar to those of the first application (n = 4, not shown); thus, FSIs fully retained their ability to respond to serotonin after a first application.

European Journal of Neuroscience

In addition, a slowly reversible covalent interaction may also explain the lack of complete washout with some KCNQ channels (Figures 1A, 2A and 3).

Plosone

In consenting patients, the other hand was measured after a time interval of at least 1 day to allow for complete washout of the contrast agent.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a complete washout" to describe events or situations rendered unsuccessful, often by uncontrollable external factors such as weather or market conditions. For example, "The picnic was a complete washout because of the sudden downpour."

Common error

Avoid using "a complete washout" when describing minor inconveniences or setbacks. This phrase implies total failure, so it's inappropriate for situations that are merely disappointing but still yield some positive outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete washout" functions primarily as a noun phrase or predicate adjective, describing something that has failed entirely or been rendered useless. It is often used to express disappointment or frustration, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a complete washout" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that has utterly failed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news reporting to scientific discourse, though it may be considered slightly informal in more formal settings. Alternative phrases include "a total failure" or "a complete disaster". When using this phrase, ensure that the situation truly warrants such a strong descriptor, reserving it for instances of total ineffectiveness or disappointment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a total failure

Focuses directly on the lack of success, omitting the nuance of something being nullified.

a complete failure

Similar to "a total failure" but emphasizes the extent of the lack of success.

a dead loss

Informal term implying a waste of time or effort.

a futile effort

Emphasizes the uselessness of the attempt or endeavor.

an utter flop

Informal and emphasizes a sudden and dramatic failure.

a dismal failure

Highlights the depressing or disheartening nature of the failure.

a spectacular failure

Highlights the magnitude and obviousness of the failure.

a fruitless endeavor

Emphasizes that the effort did not yield any positive results.

a vain attempt

Highlights that the attempt didn't yield anything.

a non-starter

Indicates something that was never viable or had no chance of succeeding from the beginning.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "a complete washout"?

Describing something as "a complete washout" means that it was a total failure or an utter disappointment, often due to circumstances beyond anyone's control. It implies that the event or activity was entirely unsuccessful.

How can I use "a complete washout" in a sentence?

You can use "a complete washout" to describe various situations. For example, "The summer season was "a complete washout" for tourism due to the ongoing pandemic" or "His attempt to fix the car himself was "a complete washout", and he had to call a mechanic".

What are some alternatives to saying "a complete washout"?

Alternatives to "a complete washout" include "a total failure", "a complete disaster", or "a dismal failure". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a complete washout" in formal writing?

While "a complete washout" is generally understood, it leans towards informal language. In formal writing, consider using more precise and professional alternatives like "a total failure" or "an unsuccessful endeavor" to maintain a more serious tone.