a disastrous miscalculation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a disastrous miscalculation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant error in judgment or calculation that leads to negative consequences. Example: "The team's decision to ignore the warning signs resulted in a disastrous miscalculation that cost the company millions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

While this conclusion may be correct, there is always the danger of a disastrous miscalculation.

The Guardian

Like Iraq, the Afghanistan war has been a disastrous miscalculation for the western powers, which are having to learn the lessons of empire again and again.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a declaration of intent from Mannesmann that they wanted to freeze us out of Germany and Italy".If Mannesmann had hoped that buying Orange would protect it from a bid by Vodafone, it was a disastrous miscalculation.

The Economist

Given the enduring hatred and the shaky intelligence gathering on both sides, Washington is worried about a disastrous miscalculation; if either country should resort to nuclear weapons, nuclear retaliation is guaranteed.

The New York Times - Arts

What's striking about the role that won Rylance his first Oscar from his first nomination is that, at the movie's initial screenings, even his most devoted fans feared that he had made a disastrous miscalculation.

The Guardian

The North and its new leader may be painting themselves into a corner that could end in a disastrous miscalculation that results in further suffering for the peoples of Korea, both south and north of the border.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"I think Saakashvili made a very, very disastrous miscalculation that somehow we would be there".

The New Yorker

The comfort of diversification means you can take on bigger risk, while lowering your probability of one disastrous miscalculation punching a large hole in your capital.

Forbes

In a stroke of either tremendous cunning or disastrous miscalculation, the opening was accompanied by a no-joke IRL tech event, the launch of Genius's beta annotation platform, featuring a live annotation battle projected onto a 40-foot screen and set to the beats of DJ Galcher Lustwerk.

Vice

But the consequences of a bad idea for a cartoonist aren't as severe: you don't get a long, boring novel, or an unwatchable movie, or a disastrous military miscalculation that results in the death of thousands.

The New Yorker

The disastrous miscalculation made by the United States in signing a military agreement with Turkey at the expense of the Kurds becomes daily more apparent.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a disastrous miscalculation", clearly articulate the specific negative outcomes that resulted from the miscalculation to emphasize the severity of the error.

Common error

Avoid using "a disastrous miscalculation" for minor errors or inconveniences. Reserve it for situations with genuinely severe and far-reaching negative consequences to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a disastrous miscalculation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As shown in Ludwig, it describes something, an event, or a decision that was a miscalculation and also had very negative consequences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a disastrous miscalculation" is a noun phrase used to describe a serious error in judgment that leads to significant negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various contexts, predominantly in news and media, but also in wiki and science. When employing this phrase, it’s important to ensure the described miscalculation genuinely warrants such a strong descriptor, avoiding overuse in less critical situations. Alternatives like "a catastrophic misjudgment" or "a grave error of judgment" may be considered depending on the specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a catastrophic misjudgment

Emphasizes the catastrophic consequences of the misjudgment.

a grave error of judgment

Highlights the seriousness and significance of the error.

a fatal flaw in reasoning

Focuses on the flaw in the thought process that led to the negative outcome.

a colossal blunder

Indicates a mistake of enormous proportions and impact.

an epic failure in planning

Stresses the planning aspect and the scale of the failure.

a monumental misstep

Suggests a significant and impactful error in a series of actions.

a critical oversight

Points out a crucial element that was missed, leading to negative consequences.

a serious forecasting error

Highlights the inaccuracy in predicting future outcomes.

a regrettable lapse in foresight

Focuses on the lack of anticipation and the regret associated with the outcome.

a damaging lapse in judgment

Emphasizes the harmful consequences resulting from the poor decision.

FAQs

How can I use "a disastrous miscalculation" in a sentence?

You can use "a disastrous miscalculation" to describe a situation where a significant error in judgment led to negative outcomes. For example: "The invasion of Cambodia was "a disastrous miscalculation" that had far-reaching consequences".

What are some alternatives to "a disastrous miscalculation"?

Alternatives include "a catastrophic misjudgment", "a grave error of judgment", or "a colossal blunder". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "disastrous miscalculation" or "fatal miscalculation"?

Both phrases describe significant errors, but "fatal miscalculation" implies a consequence that leads to failure or loss. "Disastrous miscalculation" suggests widespread damage and negative effects. Choose based on the specific context.

What makes a miscalculation "disastrous"?

A miscalculation becomes "disastrous" when it leads to severe, widespread, and often irreversible negative consequences. This could include financial losses, political instability, or other significant damages.