a disaster of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a disaster of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that is extremely problematic or has gone wrong in a significant way. Example: "The project turned into a disaster of epic proportions, leaving the team scrambling to fix the issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A week ago, even the Red Cross was not prepared for a disaster of this magnitude.

The New York Times

"He inherited a disaster of a situation".

The New York Times

So, not a disaster of a Summit.

The Guardian

It's impossible to "clean up" a disaster of this magnitude.

The New York Times

Think of it as a disaster of human making.

The New York Times

But it was still a disaster of its own.

Independent

It was a disaster of Tremarco's own making.

Independent

It was, Schmidt says, a "disaster of a marriage".

The New York Times - Books

What happened was a disaster of his own making.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite such eloquence she's a disaster of an interview.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is not a disaster of their making.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a disaster of", ensure the noun following 'of' accurately reflects the nature of the problem. For example, "a disaster of mismanagement" is more specific and impactful than simply "a disaster".

Common error

While "a disaster of" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in casual conversations. More nuanced language might be appropriate depending on your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a disaster of" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is a disastrous example or instance of that noun. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across a broad range of sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a disaster of" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that has gone terribly wrong. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this phrase. It's widely used in news and media, as well as other contexts, to express strong disapproval. When using this phrase, ensure that the noun following 'of' is descriptive and accurate. While versatile, be mindful of the register and avoid overuse in excessively formal or casual contexts. Consider using alternatives like ""a catastrophic failure"" or ""a complete debacle"" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a catastrophic failure

Emphasizes the complete and utter failure of something, highlighting the magnitude of the disaster.

a complete debacle

Suggests a humiliating failure, often public and disorganized.

a monumental fiasco

Highlights the scale of the failure and its embarrassing nature.

an utter catastrophe

Stresses the complete and devastating nature of the event.

a resounding defeat

Focuses on the loss and failure to achieve a goal.

a crushing setback

Emphasizes the negative impact and hindrance caused by the event.

a major failure

A more general term indicating a significant lack of success.

a regrettable incident

Downplays the severity, focusing on the unfortunate nature of the event.

a serious calamity

Emphasizes the disastrous and unfortunate nature of the event.

a terrible misfortune

Highlights the bad luck and unfortunate circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "a disaster of" to describe a situation that has gone terribly wrong. For example, "The project became "a disaster of" epic proportions" or "The party was "a disaster of" miscommunication".

What phrases are similar to "a disaster of"?

Similar phrases include "a catastrophic failure", "a complete debacle", or "a monumental fiasco". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

While grammatically correct, "a disaster of" might sound too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more precise or technical language depending on your field.

What's the difference between "a disaster of" and just saying "a disaster"?

Adding "of" specifies what kind of disaster it is. For example, "a disaster of planning" highlights the area of failure, making your criticism more targeted than simply calling something "a disaster".