a string of disappointments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a string of disappointments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of unfortunate events or failures that have occurred consecutively. Example: "After facing a string of disappointments in his career, he decided to change his approach and seek new opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Lilly has also recently suffered a string of disappointments.

The New York Times

The warning is the latest in a string of disappointments.

The New York Times

If either effort succeeds, it will break a string of disappointments and failures.

The New York Times

The result was the third in a string of disappointments for the Liberty.

The New York Times

After a string of disappointments over the last few years, victory has been in uncharacteristically short supply.

The New York Times - Sports

Burkett (9-6) also ended a string of disappointments, winning for the first time in nearly seven weeks.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The latest results follow a string of recent disappointments after its $27 billion acquisition of the Guidant Corporation.

The New York Times

It's an uproarious curtain-raiser; inevitably, what follows is a string of minor disappointments.

The Guardian - Film

The studio has since suffered a string of costly disappointments like "Robin Hood," "The Wolfman," "Green Zone" and "Repo Men".

The New York Times

THE revelation that the diabetes drug Avandia can potentially cause heart disease is the latest in a string of pharmaceutical disappointments.

The New York Times

Fox, which remained profitable in 2010 but suffered a string of major disappointments (including the expensive "Gulliver's Travels," which sold an anemic $7.2 million over the weekend), is also trying to be more creative with its marketing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a string of disappointments" to emphasize a recurring pattern of unfavorable results or outcomes, often highlighting a negative trend or situation. Consider using stronger verbs to showcase the impact of the disappointments.

Common error

Avoid using "a string of disappointments" repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your language by using synonyms like "series of setbacks" or "succession of failures" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a string of disappointments" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement, object, or appositive. It describes a sequence of unfortunate events. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

17%

Business

13%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a string of disappointments" is a valid and commonly used phrase to describe a series of unfortunate events or failures. Ludwig AI validates its usage in varied contexts, particularly in news, sports, and business reporting. While grammatically correct, avoid overuse and consider synonyms for stylistic diversity. The phrase carries a neutral register, suitable for conveying frustration or concern about repeated setbacks. Use this phrase to effectively communicate a pattern of negative outcomes and the need for change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of setbacks

Focuses on impediments or delays rather than purely negative outcomes.

a run of bad luck

Highlights the role of chance or fortune in the sequence of unfortunate events.

a chapter of failures

Emphasizes the lack of success or achievement.

a litany of failures

Suggests a longer and more exhaustive list of unsuccessful outcomes.

a train of misfortunes

Implies a series of unfortunate events that are interconnected or related.

a tale of woe

Focuses on expressing sorrow or grief about a series of negative events.

a downward spiral

Highlights a process where a situation is progressively worsening.

a losing streak

Indicates continuous losses, often in a competitive or gambling context.

a history of failures

Highlights a consistent track record of unsuccessful events.

a set of problems

More general term indicating a collection of difficulties or issues.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a string of disappointments" in a sentence?

Use "a string of disappointments" to describe a series of unfortunate events or failures. For example, "After "a string of disappointments", the company decided to restructure its operations."

What are some alternatives to "a string of disappointments"?

You can use alternatives such as "a series of setbacks", "a chain of failures", or "a succession of mishaps" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "a string of disappointments" formal or informal?

"A string of disappointments" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the surrounding language and the specific tone you wish to create.

What's the difference between "a string of disappointments" and "a series of challenges"?

"A string of disappointments" emphasizes negative outcomes or failures, while "a series of challenges" focuses on difficult situations that require effort to overcome, regardless of the outcome.