a monumental failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a monumental failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that has failed on a grand scale or had significant negative consequences. Example: "The project was intended to revolutionize the industry, but it turned out to be a monumental failure, costing the company millions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"This government has been a monumental failure".

The Guardian

New Coke was a monumental failure, and the firm went back to the old.

The Economist

To any European of Merkel's generation, that would be a monumental failure.

The New Yorker

I suggested to Dunn that the whole saga is a monumental failure of peer review.

The Guardian

"I suspect there has been a monumental failure of governance," he concludes.

The Guardian - Business

Doesn't this suggest Ryan is right, and the War on Poverty has been a monumental failure?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The global asbestos cancer epidemic is a story of monumental failure to protect the public health.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Zero Dark Thirty, whose chances at winning best picture seem to be nil, is the exact reverse – a success story with intimations of monumental failure.

The Guardian - Film

The current national security bureaucracy, dating to 1947, was very much a reaction to lessons learned from Pearl Harbor, so why shouldn't the monumental failure of Sept. 11 demand an equivalent?

The New York Times

Great successes, like the Marshall Plan, combined with one monumental failure: the beginning of a catastrophically unwise arms race.

The New York Times - Books

The committee concluded the Treasury was "part of a monumental collective failure to understand that the pre-crisis boom could lead to a banking crisis".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a monumental failure" to describe events or situations where the failure has far-reaching and significant consequences. Consider the impact and scale when choosing this phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "a monumental failure" to describe minor setbacks or trivial issues. This phrase should be reserved for situations with significant negative impacts to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a monumental failure" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object. It describes something that has failed spectacularly or on a large scale. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a monumental failure" is a noun phrase used to describe something that has failed spectacularly and has far-reaching negative impacts. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While common, it should be reserved for truly significant failures to maintain its impact and avoid overuse. Alternatives include "a colossal blunder" and "a complete disaster". This phrase is more appropriate to use in neutral setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a colossal blunder

Emphasizes the magnitude and severity of the mistake.

a catastrophic defeat

Highlights the devastating consequences of the failure.

an epic fail

Offers a more informal and contemporary expression of complete failure.

a resounding flop

Focuses on the complete lack of success or positive reception.

a spectacular crash

Suggests a dramatic and highly visible failure.

a total washout

Implies a complete and utter failure, often due to unforeseen circumstances.

a complete disaster

Highlights the negative consequences and chaotic nature of the failure.

an abject breakdown

Emphasizes the thorough and irreversible nature of the failure.

a crushing setback

Highlights the impact and discouraging nature of the failure.

a significant debacle

Emphasizes the embarrassing and humiliating aspects of the failure.

FAQs

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

You can use "a monumental failure" to describe events with significant negative consequences. For example, "The project's cancellation was "a monumental failure" for the company's reputation."

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

You can use alternatives like "a colossal blunder", "a complete disaster", or "an epic fail" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a monumental failure"?

It's appropriate when describing something that has failed on a large scale, with significant negative repercussions. Ensure the context warrants such a strong expression.

What distinguishes "a monumental failure" from "a simple mistake"?

"A monumental failure" implies a major, impactful failing, whereas "a simple mistake" suggests a minor error with limited consequences. The scale and impact differentiate the two.