a phenomenal failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a phenomenal failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or situation that was expected to succeed but ended up failing spectacularly or in an impressive manner. Example: "The launch of the new product was a phenomenal failure, as it received widespread criticism and poor sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In retrospect, Kris Kobach was a phenomenal failure as an immigration adviser to Mitt Romney: Mitt Romney took his biggest unexpected hits with Latinos and Asians, both very pro-immigrant groups that were completely turned off by the rhetoric on the Republican side about immigration.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In the above podcast, Christopher Fabian, co-lead of innovation at UNICEF, describes the "phenomenal failure rate" in the innovation unit's projects when they are built in New York.

The Guardian

In carefully studying the reasons for the phenomenal failure of the French project, the Nicaraguan route for the canal was gradually gaining preference in U.S. public opinion, and it was considered the American option.

Huffington Post

That is a phenomenal figure.

The Economist

The China we have known for 30 years has been a phenomenal success, but one with some increasingly evident weaknesses and failures.

The New York Times

"She's a phenomenal, phenomenal lady".

The New Yorker

A phenomenal player.

BBC

He is a phenomenal player with a phenomenal record.

Independent

It's a phenomenal act.

The New York Times - Arts

She's a phenomenal talent.

The Guardian

This is a phenomenal tune.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a phenomenal failure", ensure the context clearly supports the idea of a failure that is both significant and surprising, not just a standard failure.

Common error

Avoid using "a phenomenal failure" to describe minor setbacks or events that were already expected to fail. The term implies a grand scale and unexpected nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a phenomenal failure" functions as a noun phrase where "phenomenal" acts as an adjective intensifying the noun "failure". It describes a specific instance of failure characterized by its remarkable or exceptional degree. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

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 phenomenal failure" is a phrase used to describe a failure that is notable or exceptional in its magnitude. It is grammatically correct and primarily found in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects a failure that is both significant and unexpected. Alternatives such as "a spectacular flop" or "a resounding failure" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different emphasis. While the phrase is considered valid, its rare frequency suggests it should be used judiciously to maintain impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a resounding failure

Emphasizes the completeness and decisiveness of the failure.

a monumental failure

Highlights the large scale or impact of the failure.

a spectacular flop

Replaces 'failure' with 'flop' to suggest a more sudden and public failure.

a colossal disaster

Substitutes 'failure' with 'disaster' to stress the negative consequences.

a noteworthy debacle

Replaces 'failure' with 'debacle' suggesting chaos and embarrassment.

an utter catastrophe

Uses 'catastrophe' to amplify the sense of overwhelming failure and devastation.

an epic fail

Uses a more informal and contemporary expression for a grand failure.

an extraordinary disappointment

Softens the harshness of 'failure' with a focus on the unmet expectations.

a striking setback

Replaces 'failure' with 'setback' to frame it as a temporary obstacle.

a remarkable letdown

Focuses on the feeling of disillusionment caused by the failure.

FAQs

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

You can use "a phenomenal failure" to describe a situation or project that was expected to succeed but resulted in a significant and noteworthy failure. For example: "The new marketing campaign was "a phenomenal failure", leading to a sharp decline in sales."

What's a good alternative to "a phenomenal failure"?

Alternatives include "a spectacular flop", "a resounding failure", or "an epic fail", depending on the tone and context you want to convey.

Is "a phenomenal failure" the same as "a huge failure"?

While both describe significant failures, "a phenomenal failure" implies a more unexpected or surprising level of failure. "A huge failure" simply denotes the magnitude of the failure, without necessarily implying surprise.

What makes a failure "phenomenal"?

A failure becomes "phenomenal" when it deviates significantly from expectations, often due to unforeseen circumstances or miscalculations, leading to a result that is surprisingly and notably unsuccessful.