a major flop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major flop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has failed significantly, such as a project, event, or product. Example: "The movie was highly anticipated, but it turned out to be a major flop at the box office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Herman Cain still doesn't seem to be campaigning in earnest — just look at his official schedule — and Rick Perry has been a major flop.

The New York Times - Magazine

At a Games in which Britain finished fourth in the medal table, athletics was a major flop in comparison with other sports.

The Guardian - Sport

AFFLECK ON 'GIGLI': FILM 'WASN'T GOOD' -- Ben Affleck, left, spoke with reporters on Monday about "Gigli," his film with Jennifer Lopez that is turning out to be a major flop.

The New York Times

Among the notable moments you missed were Minnesota goaltender Josh Harding's playing his first game since receiving a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, the Canucks managing to ignite a goalie controversy in the span of two whole games, and the Rangers' Broadway opening turning into a major flop.

The New York Times - Sports

Unfortunately for them this was a major flop in an attempt to compete with Tuenti.

TechCrunch

And although it pains me to say it, the Zune to some extent was a major flop.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It's a major ratings flop for the network and a surprise after the buildup to the interview raised expectations it would attract a wide audience. .

Huffington Post

The weekend brought one major flop: "The Host" (Open Road), a producing effort by the "Twilight" author Stephenie Meyer, took in just $11 million despite a lengthy promotional campaign; the movie cost about $40 million to make and received deadly reviews.

The New York Times

The flops Several players just haven't performed consistently, but for me the major flop has been our record £18m signing, Giannelli Imbula.

The Guardian - Sport

Sony's only major flop was the "Stuart Little 2," which cost $120 million to make and has grossed $57 million after five weekends.

The New York Times

LOS ANGELES — Hollywood suffered its first major flop of the year over the weekend with the debut of the expensive Iraq thriller "Green Zone," which sold an anemic $14.5 million in tickets at North American theaters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a major flop" when you want to emphasize the substantial nature of a failure, rather than just a minor setback. It's suitable for describing events, products, or performances that were expected to succeed but dramatically failed.

Common error

Avoid using "a major flop" too casually. While acceptable in news and general discussions, it might sound overly dramatic in everyday conversations. Consider using less emphatic alternatives like "didn't go well" or "wasn't successful" for daily interactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major flop" functions as a noun phrase that serves as a predicate nominative or object complement. According to Ludwig AI, it describes something that has significantly failed. It is commonly used to express disappointment or criticism regarding an event, product, or performance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a major flop" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe something that has failed significantly. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it effectively conveys disappointment or disapproval regarding events, products, or performances. While acceptable in various settings, it's best to avoid overuse in informal conversations, opting for milder alternatives when appropriate. Alternatives include "a significant failure" or "a complete disaster" for similar impact. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize the substantial nature of a failure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant failure

Emphasizes the failure's importance or scale, similar to "major" in the original phrase.

a resounding failure

Highlights the completeness and decisiveness of the failure.

a dismal failure

Focuses on the depressing or bleak nature of the failure.

a spectacular failure

Suggests a failure that is particularly noticeable or dramatic.

a complete disaster

Indicates a total and catastrophic failure.

a total washout

Implies that something was completely unsuccessful and unproductive.

a big letdown

Highlights the disappointment associated with the failure.

an unmitigated disaster

Stresses that there's no redeeming quality or success associated.

a dead loss

Suggests something that is entirely unproductive or worthless.

a fruitless endeavor

Emphasizes the lack of positive results despite effort.

FAQs

How can I use "a major flop" in a sentence?

You can use "a major flop" to describe something that has failed significantly, such as: "The movie was highly anticipated, but it turned out to be "a major flop" at the box office."

What can I say instead of "a major flop"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant failure", "a complete disaster", or "a big letdown" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a major flop" or "a minor flop"?

"A major flop" and "a minor flop" are both grammatically correct, but they describe different degrees of failure. "A major flop" indicates a substantial failure, while "a minor flop" indicates a less significant one.

What does it mean when something is described as "a major flop"?

When something is described as ""a major flop"", it means that it was expected to be successful but failed in a significant or substantial way. It implies a notable disappointment.