a mammoth failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mammoth failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or enormous failure in a situation, project, or endeavor. Example: "The company's attempt to launch the new product was a mammoth failure, resulting in substantial financial losses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Congressional Democrats should start getting out in front of what is going to be a mammoth failure, and start running on the idea of having supported a public option in the first place over Obamacare.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Their ascendancy was short-lived, however, as a mammoth last-wicket stand and another Cook failure put India on a high.

BBC

At a minimum, the failure to secure a civil verdict, or at least a mammoth settlement, would be another humiliation for regulators.

The New York Times

It is a mammoth undertaking.

The Economist

It is a mammoth project.

The Economist

So it's been a mammoth task".

Independent

"It was a mammoth task," Basheer said.

The New Yorker

"It was a mammoth task," Kataria recalled.

The New Yorker

"A mammoth, for example?" said my girlfriend.

The New Yorker

It is carved from a mammoth tusk.

The Economist

OK – but why a mammoth?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mammoth failure" to describe a situation where the scale or impact of the failure is notably large. It adds emphasis beyond a simple 'failure'.

Common error

Avoid using "a mammoth failure" to describe trivial or insignificant setbacks. The phrase is best reserved for truly substantial and impactful failures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mammoth failure" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes the nature or extent of a failure, emphasizing its significant size or impact. The Ludwig examples illustrate its use in news and opinion contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mammoth failure" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a failure of considerable magnitude. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, and its purpose is to emphasize the large scale and significant impact of the failure. While grammatically sound, its usage is relatively rare, so reserve it for situations where the scale of the failure truly warrants such emphasis. Consider alternatives like "a colossal failure" or "a massive failure" for similar effect. The Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is suitable for objective reporting and commentary, maintaining a neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a colossal failure

Replaces 'mammoth' with 'colossal', indicating a failure of immense size or scale.

a massive failure

Uses 'massive' as a synonym for 'mammoth', emphasizing the large extent of the failure.

a resounding failure

Highlights the completeness and decisiveness of the failure.

a spectacular failure

Emphasizes the visibility and dramatic nature of the failure.

an epic failure

Implies a grand scale and significant impact of the failure, often with a sense of irony or humor.

a complete disaster

Shifts from 'failure' to 'disaster', suggesting a more chaotic and damaging outcome.

a total flop

An informal term for a complete and utter failure.

an abject failure

Highlights the humiliating and miserable nature of the failure.

a monumental blunder

Replaces 'failure' with 'blunder', suggesting a mistake of great significance.

a crushing defeat

Indicates a failure that involves loss or subjugation, often in a competitive context.

FAQs

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

You can use "a mammoth failure" to describe a project, plan, or initiative that has failed on a large scale. For example, "The company's expansion into the new market proved to be "a mammoth failure"".

What are some alternatives to "a mammoth failure"?

Alternatives include "a colossal failure", "a massive failure", or "a complete disaster", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "mammoth failure" grammatically correct?

Yes, "mammoth failure" is grammatically correct. The adjective 'mammoth' appropriately modifies the noun 'failure', indicating the size or scale of the failure.

What is the difference between "a big failure" and "a mammoth failure"?

"A big failure" is a general term for any significant failure. "A mammoth failure" implies a failure of truly immense proportions or impact, suggesting a scale that is notably larger than just 'big'.