a depressing ending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a depressing ending" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the conclusion of a story, film, or any narrative that evokes feelings of sadness or disappointment. Example: "The novel was captivating, but I was left unsatisfied by a depressing ending that felt out of place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"There's a book by Anthony Burgess called Clockwork Orange," he said, "and I've always wondered why it had such a depressing ending.

The Guardian

Kushner wanted, his friend Brian Kulick says, "to have not a happy ending or a depressing ending but a true ending".

The New Yorker

It was a depressing ending for a character who was emblematic of women's struggle to succeed in the workplace, often against seemingly insuperable odds.

The Guardian - Opinion

Euro 2012 might have had a depressing ending but I hope we will one day look back on it as an exciting beginning.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Each one could spell a depressing end to his journey.

The Guardian

It was quiet at Legends Field yesterday, the day Strawberry was suspended from baseball for a year, an action that could bring a depressing end to his career.

The New York Times - Sports

In other words, rather than a narrative of connection, Minot has written a chronicle of self-deception in which the fellatio features more as a depressing end than as a beginning.

The New York Times - Books

It's a minor deviation from the awful energy status quo and would be a depressing end indeed to the year-long Obama-era effort to finally address America's energy problems.

Huffington Post

It was a very tongue-in-cheek idea, one of those 'It all makes sense!' stupid realisations that you could give Friends a really depressing ending".

Independent

Morgan Stanley Dean Witter reported a 28percentt decline yesterday in its earnings for the fiscal fourth quarter, providing the first glimpse of how poorly a depressing year ended on Wall Street.

The New York Times

[A1.] Morgan Stanley Profit Drops 28% Morgan Stanley reported a 28percentt decline in earnings for its fiscal fourth quarter, providing the first glimpse of how poorly a depressing year ended on Wall Street.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a story or event, use "a depressing ending" to effectively convey a sense of disappointment, sorrow, or negativity regarding its conclusion. This can add depth and emotional resonance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a depressing ending" when describing situations that are meant to be bittersweet or cathartic. The phrase specifically implies a negative outcome without redeeming qualities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a depressing ending" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "depressing" modifies the noun "ending". Ludwig AI shows it's used to characterize the conclusion of something as negative or disheartening.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a depressing ending" is a noun phrase used to describe a conclusion that evokes sadness or disappointment. While grammatically correct and understandable, Ludwig indicates it's a relatively rare phrase. Its primary function is to express a negative evaluation of how something concludes, and it's most commonly found in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intended negative sentiment, as alternatives like "a sad ending" or "a tragic conclusion" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tragic conclusion

Emphasizes the sorrowful or calamitous nature of the end.

a bleak finale

Focuses on the somber and hopeless atmosphere of the ending.

a sorrowful denouement

Highlights the sadness and unraveling that occurs at the end.

a disheartening close

Emphasizes the loss of hope or enthusiasm at the termination.

a pessimistic resolution

Focuses on the negative outlook conveyed by the ending.

an unfortunate culmination

Highlights the bad luck or unfavorable circumstances leading to the end.

a somber finish

Focuses on the grave and earnest tone of the conclusion.

a cheerless epilogue

Emphasizes the lack of joy or happiness in the afterword or concluding section.

a melancholic termination

Highlights the feeling of sadness and pensiveness associated with the end.

a grim resolution

Emphasizes the unpleasant or disturbing nature of the final outcome.

FAQs

What does "a depressing ending" mean?

The phrase "a depressing ending" describes a conclusion to a story, event, or situation that evokes feelings of sadness, disappointment, or hopelessness. It suggests a lack of resolution or a negative outcome.

What are some alternatives to "a depressing ending"?

You can use alternatives like "a sad ending", "a tragic conclusion", or "a bleak finale" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Example: "The film had great potential, but it was ultimately ruined by a depressing ending that left the audience feeling unsatisfied."

Is "a depressing ending" the same as "a bittersweet ending"?

No, "a depressing ending" implies a purely negative outcome, while a bittersweet ending suggests a mixture of happiness and sadness. They are not interchangeable.