a dire result

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dire result" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an outcome that is extremely serious or urgent, often with negative implications. Example: "If we do not take action soon, the consequences could lead to a dire result for the entire community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Preventing such a dire result calls for a systematic plan for the entire region.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The problem was, the experiment with journalistic writing had a conclusive and dire result.

TechCrunch

If the UK is resolute in defending its sovereignty by refusing to kowtow to Strasbourg, I do not believe that any dire results will follow.

The Guardian

The negative political implications of the resulting 666 (Aeneas to Romulus, Christ to Constantine), reflecting the Donation and its dire result, are not difficult to grasp.

Princeton University

How to avoid this dire result?

Forbes

One dire result for shareholders is the Viacom board had to cut in half the dividend its pays, a big blow to shareholder confidence.

Forbes

Enraged at being called out in class for tormenting a peer, they scrawl a gay slur on a locker, a predatory prank generating dire results.

The New York Times

He has been suspended by Monaco after a string of dire results and also had to apologise after being caught saying something on TV.

The Guardian - Sport

An embarrassed Mr Thaksin admitted that his "batteries" may have been "charged incorrectly".Rallying pointThe Nasdaq continued to soar, in spite of a run of dire results from high-technology companies.

The Economist

BALKAN folk dances are intricate, lively affairs where a misstep may have dire results.

The Economist

The present trend suggests that the number of Germans aged over 60 will rise by a half over the next three decades, whereas those in the 20-60 agroupoup are likely to fall by a half, with potentially dire results for welfare and state pensions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dire result" to underscore the extreme negativity or severity of a situation's outcome. It's suitable when milder terms like "bad result" don't adequately convey the gravity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a dire result" when the situation is merely inconvenient or slightly negative. Overusing such a strong phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dire result" functions as a noun phrase, where "dire" acts as an adjective modifying "result". It is primarily used to describe a negative outcome of significant consequence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and appropriate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dire result" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a significantly negative outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for various contexts, primarily in news, media, and academic settings. When writing, remember that using "a dire result" is most impactful when emphasizing the serious or catastrophic nature of an event's consequence. While various alternatives exist, such as "a disastrous outcome" or "a grave consequence", they each bring nuances to the expression. Ensure your choice aligns with the intended tone and severity of the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disastrous outcome

Highlights the failure and negativity associated with the result.

a grave consequence

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential long-term impact of the result.

a terrible consequence

Focuses on the unpleasantness and severity of the resulting situation.

a catastrophic consequence

Focuses more on the scale and impact of the consequence, implying widespread damage.

a severe repercussion

Highlights the negative effects that follow an action or decision.

a calamitous development

Emphasizes the disastrous nature and unfolding of the event.

a regrettable outcome

Focuses on the feeling of sorrow or disappointment associated with the result.

an unfortunate consequence

Highlights the bad luck or negative circumstances leading to the result.

a bleak prospect

Focuses on the lack of hope and the unfavorable outlook associated with the result.

a grim forecast

Emphasizes the pessimistic prediction or anticipation of the result.

FAQs

How to use "a dire result" in a sentence?

You can use "a dire result" to describe a very negative outcome. For example: "If the company fails to innovate, it could face "a dire result"."

What can I say instead of "a dire result"?

You can use alternatives like "a disastrous outcome", "a grave consequence", or "a catastrophic consequence" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a dire result"?

Use "a dire result" when the outcome is extremely negative, serious, and potentially life-altering or significantly damaging. It's stronger than simply saying something is "bad".

What's the difference between "a dire result" and "a negative result"?

"A dire result" implies a much greater level of severity and potential for harm than "a negative result". "Dire" suggests a crisis or catastrophe.