a dismal failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dismal failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has failed in a very disappointing or bleak manner. Example: "The project was intended to revolutionize the industry, but it turned out to be a dismal failure, leaving the team disheartened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

BlackBerry's PlayBook was a dismal failure.

The New York Times - Tech

It was a dismal failure.

The New York Times

Sadly, it is a dismal failure.

The New York Times - Arts

It closed immediately — in Penn's words, "a dismal failure".

The New Yorker

"Make work" schemes have been a dismal failure in Haiti.

The Economist

He says the PCC has been "a dismal failure".

The Guardian

People have tried and it was a dismal failure.

The New York Times - Science

We were immediately a dismal failure," he said.

The Guardian - Books

We were immediately a dismal failure," he says lugubriously.

The Guardian - Books

Raton thinks that desegregation has been "a dismal failure".

The Guardian

In reality, his administration's record on reducing nuclear weapons is largely a dismal failure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dismal failure" to describe situations where not only has something failed, but it has done so in a notably depressing or discouraging way. It's stronger than a simple 'failure'.

Common error

While "a dismal failure" is widely understood, in highly formal or professional writing, consider more neutral terms like 'unsuccessful attempt' or 'did not meet expectations' to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dismal failure" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object complement, describing something that has failed in a notably disappointing or bleak manner. Ludwig provides many examples in which the phrase is used to describe the outcome of projects, events, and strategies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a dismal failure" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something that has failed in a significantly disappointing way. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase and is used to convey strong disapproval or disappointment. While its register is generally neutral, more formal settings might benefit from more tempered language. Ludwig's examples show the phrase appearing most frequently in news and media contexts, highlighting its suitability for describing notable failures in various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a miserable failure

Emphasizes the unhappiness associated with the failure.

a complete flop

Focuses on the utter lack of success.

an utter disaster

Highlights the catastrophic nature of the failure.

a resounding defeat

Stresses the decisiveness of the failure.

a spectacular failure

Emphasizes the grand scale of the failure.

a crushing disappointment

Focuses on the emotional impact of the failure.

a lost cause

Suggests the hopelessness and futility of the situation.

a futile attempt

Highlights the ineffectiveness of the effort.

a hopeless case

Implies a lack of any chance for success.

an abortive effort

Focuses on the premature ending and lack of results.

FAQs

How can I use "a dismal failure" in a sentence?

You can use "a dismal failure" to describe a project, event, or strategy that has failed in a notably disappointing or bleak manner. For example, "The product launch was "a dismal failure", resulting in significant financial losses."

What are some alternatives to "a dismal failure"?

You can use alternatives like "a complete flop", "an utter disaster", or "a resounding defeat" depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "dismal failure" too harsh of a term to use in professional writing?

It depends on the context. While "dismal failure" is acceptable, in some professional settings it may be perceived as overly critical. Consider using more neutral language like "did not meet expectations" or "unsuccessful attempt" to maintain a more objective tone.

What makes something qualify as "a dismal failure" rather than just a regular failure?

The term "a dismal failure" implies not only a lack of success but also a significant degree of disappointment, bleakness, or negativity associated with the failure. It suggests that the outcome was particularly unfortunate or disheartening.