a dramatic failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dramatic failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that ended very poorly or did not meet expectations in a significant way. Example: "The launch of the new product was a dramatic failure, leading to significant financial losses for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

There are no excuses for such a dramatic failure in project management.

The Guardian

"I don't think there's any question that a dramatic failure of corporate governance was a central issue of the crisis," Mr. Angelides said.

The New York Times

He had suffered "a dramatic failure in the ticker department" at the end of a murder trial in, as it happened, Judge Bullingham's courtroom, and his fans feared the worst.

The New York Times - Books

"The Dancer Upstairs" is a dramatic failure, but, at its best, it offers a frightening suggestion of the way terror can alter reality so thoroughly that, step by step, the fantastic becomes accepted as the mere commonplace.

The New Yorker

But so far, the demonstrations have been a dramatic failure.

BBC

In these cases, revision surgery was performed before a dramatic failure in order to conserve bone stock and ligamentous stability.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

But if I had to bet on a marginally successful outcome, or at least a less dramatic failure, I'd go with the guys with pythons, who are doing it without our help.

The New Yorker

Regarding the variables that matter most to working families, the neocon experiment was a particularly dramatic failure.

Huffington Post

England accumulated 38 without loss in the batting powerplay, so often an area of dramatic failure, a stylish drive to the cover boundary from Bopara bringing up the fifty partnership from 60 balls.

BBC

"It was a striking and dramatic failure compared to other countries that did not follow such paths," he said.

The New York Times

Around 11 15 p.m., when the full studio regained power, they slid back to the anchor desk with nary a mention of the dramatic failure behind the scenes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dramatic failure" to describe situations where the failure is unexpected and has significant consequences. It's stronger than a simple "failure" and implies a notable deviation from the expected outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "a dramatic failure" for minor inconveniences or insignificant issues. The phrase is best reserved for situations with substantial negative impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dramatic failure" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable and correct in written English. Examples show it describing events or actions that did not succeed as expected.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a dramatic failure" is a grammatically sound and contextually versatile expression, suitable for describing situations with significant and unexpected negative outcomes. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, and its usage spans across news, scientific, and encyclopedic domains. While "a dramatic failure" is not overly common, it provides a strong and descriptive way to convey the severity of a failed endeavor. Be mindful to reserve this phrase for genuinely substantial failures to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives such as "a catastrophic setback" or "an utter debacle" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a catastrophic setback

Emphasizes the disastrous consequences of the failure.

a resounding flop

Highlights the complete lack of success and potential embarrassment.

an utter debacle

Suggests chaos and disorganization surrounding the failure.

a complete washout

Implies a thorough and irreversible failure.

a spectacular collapse

Focuses on the sudden and noticeable nature of the failure.

a monumental blunder

Highlights the significant error that led to the failure.

a crushing disappointment

Emphasizes the negative emotional impact of the failure.

a painful downfall

Focuses on the negative aspects associated with the failure.

a miserable performance

Emphasizes the poor execution that led to the failure.

an abject failure

Highlights the severity and obviousness of the failure.

FAQs

What does "a dramatic failure" mean?

The phrase "a dramatic failure" refers to a situation or event that has ended very poorly or has not met expectations in a significant, often unexpected, way.

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

You might say, "The company's attempt to enter the new market resulted in "a dramatic failure" due to poor planning."

What can I say instead of "a dramatic failure"?

You can use alternatives like "a catastrophic setback", "a resounding flop", or "an utter debacle" depending on the context.

Is "a dramatic failure" formal or informal?

The phrase "a dramatic failure" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's generally more suitable for professional or news-related settings than casual conversation.