a disaster for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a disaster for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that has negative consequences for a person, group, or entity. Example: "The sudden closure of the factory was a disaster for the local economy, leading to widespread unemployment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Special teams was a disaster for Nebraska.

The New York Times

This is simply a disaster for her".

The New Yorker

Losing people is a disaster for me.

The New York Times

Last year was a disaster for them.

The Economist

A disaster for schools.

The Guardian

A disaster for hospitals.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The election was a disaster for May.

The New Yorker

They're a disaster for me".

The New York Times

"It's definitely a disaster for Berlin".

The Guardian - Music

It is hardly a disaster for him.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is a disaster for Manafort".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a disaster for", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what is negatively affected. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a disaster for" when describing minor inconveniences. Reserve this phrase for situations with significant negative consequences to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a disaster for" functions as a predicate nominative or a subject complement. It renames or describes the subject, indicating a significantly negative outcome or consequence for the specified entity. Ludwig examples show it describing results that affect taxpayers, countries, and even abstract concepts like marriage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a disaster for" is a commonly used phrase to express significant negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears most frequently in News & Media. While versatile, it's crucial to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for genuinely dire situations and ensuring clarity regarding the affected entity. Consider alternatives like "catastrophic for" or "detrimental to" for subtle variations in meaning. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the severity of a situation while maintaining precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catastrophic for

Emphasizes the extreme and sudden damage or suffering.

detrimental to

Highlights the harmful and damaging effects on something.

devastating for

Stresses the overwhelming and destructive impact.

harmful to

Indicates damage or injury caused to someone or something.

ruinous for

Implies complete destruction or failure.

bad news for

Offers a more informal way to express negative implications.

a blow to

Highlights a sudden setback or disappointment.

unfavorable for

Suggests a lack of advantage or positive outcome.

a setback for

Indicates a temporary impediment or delay.

counterproductive for

Highlights that something is achieving the opposite of the desired effect.

FAQs

How can I use "a disaster for" in a sentence?

Use "a disaster for" to describe situations or events that have seriously negative consequences for someone or something. For instance, "The economic downturn was "a disaster for" small businesses".

What are some alternatives to saying "a disaster for"?

You can use alternatives like "catastrophic for", "detrimental to", or "devastating for" depending on the specific context and the degree of negativity you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a disaster for" in formal writing?

Yes, "a disaster for" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when accurately describing significant negative impacts. However, ensure your tone remains objective and avoids hyperbole.

What's the difference between "a disaster for" and "a setback for"?

"A disaster for" implies a major negative event with long-lasting consequences, while "a setback for" suggests a temporary delay or impediment that can be overcome. The choice depends on the severity of the situation you're describing.