a terrible result

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrible result" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an outcome that is very negative or disappointing. Example: "The experiment yielded a terrible result, leading the researchers to reconsider their approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I had a terrible result on a balcony by a river once.

The New York Times - Arts

On its own, that would be a terrible result for Mr. Icahn.

The New York Times

"It's not a terrible result," he added after Bayern snatched a win with a last-minute goal.

Independent

The match finished goalless – not a terrible result for either team, but a distinctly positive one for their rivals.

The Guardian - Sport

It would be "a terrible result" if other regulators' functions were absorbed by the systemic authority and investor protection suffered.

The New York Times

IT is also unclear whether the settlement would prevent borrowers or investors from bringing their own lawsuits against loan servicers — a terrible result.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

That boosted revenues that year, but had a terrible effect on results for 1998.

The Economist

Such a change, he said, "would be a terrible, terrible result that would lead to a lot of serious health risks".

The New York Times

With the rest of the world, I agree that the attack by Israel and the deaths that resulted are a terrible outcome, but Hamas and the world have only Hamas to blame.

The New York Times

He called the Red Bulls loss a "terrible, terrible result" but said: "We have to find answers.

The Guardian - Sport

My view is that if Mr. Gingrich were actually to win the nomination, it would be a pretty terrible result for the theory.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a terrible result" to express strong disapproval or disappointment regarding an outcome, particularly when emphasizing the negative impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a terrible result" in highly formal contexts such as academic papers or legal documents. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "a disastrous outcome" or "an unfavorable consequence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrible result" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "terrible" modifies the noun "result". It describes the quality or nature of the result, indicating that it is exceptionally bad or undesirable. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a terrible result" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a very negative or undesirable outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news reports, business communications, and other contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "a disastrous outcome" in highly formal writing. When using the phrase, be aware of its strong connotations and consider whether a more nuanced or specific description might be more appropriate. The phrase's frequency of usage makes it a reliable choice for expressing strong disapproval of an outcome across different mediums.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disastrous outcome

Emphasizes the catastrophic nature of the result.

a calamitous consequence

Highlights the severely damaging effect of the result.

an awful outcome

A more informal way to describe a bad result.

a regrettable outcome

Focuses on the feeling of sorrow or disappointment associated with the result.

an unfortunate result

Indicates bad luck or unfavorable circumstances led to the result.

a poor result

A general term for an unsatisfactory outcome.

a disappointing outcome

Emphasizes the unmet expectations associated with the result.

a negative consequence

Highlights the adverse effects stemming from the result.

a setback

Focuses on the hindering aspect of the result, suggesting a delay or obstacle.

a fiasco

Implies a complete and utter failure, often with an element of embarrassment.

FAQs

What does "a terrible result" mean?

The phrase "a terrible result" means a very bad or undesirable outcome. It indicates that something has gone wrong or has not met expectations in a significant and negative way.

How can I use "a terrible result" in a sentence?

You can use "a terrible result" to describe situations like /s/"the experiment yielded a terrible result", or /s/"the team's performance led to a terrible result".

What are some alternatives to "a terrible result"?

You can use alternatives like "a disastrous outcome", "an awful outcome", or "a regrettable outcome" depending on the context.

Is "a terrible result" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a terrible result" may be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives such as "a disastrous outcome" or "an unfavorable consequence" in academic or professional writing.