a total disaster

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a total disaster" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that has gone extremely wrong or failed completely. Example: "The event was planned for months, but when the day arrived, it turned out to be a total disaster due to the unexpected storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a total disaster".

BBC

"Europe is a total disaster".

The New York Times

It was a total disaster.

The New York Times - Sports

Anyway, the mission was a total disaster.

The New Yorker

The night was a total disaster.

The New York Times

It's been a total disaster".

The New Yorker

Sad! "Moonlight" A total disaster.

The New Yorker

Well, a total disaster, anyway.

The Guardian - Sport

My handbag is a total disaster.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(He's since called it a "total disaster").

The Guardian - TV & Radio

[Laughing].... Financially, this is a total disaster".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a total disaster" to vividly convey the extent of failure in a situation. For added impact, specify why it was a disaster.

Common error

Avoid using "a total disaster" for minor inconveniences or setbacks. Reserve it for genuinely significant failures to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a total disaster" functions as a noun phrase that serves as a predicate nominative or subject complement, providing a description or evaluation of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently used to express extreme failure or misfortune in various contexts. For example, "The mission was a total disaster."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

16%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a total disaster" is a commonly used phrase to express extreme failure or misfortune. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its directness makes it suitable for many situations, more formal alternatives like "a complete failure" or "an utter catastrophe" may be preferable in professional or academic settings. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the magnitude of the situation to maintain its impact and avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unmitigated disaster

Emphasizes that the disaster is complete and without any redeeming qualities.

a complete catastrophe

Emphasizes the utter and devastating nature of the failure, highlighting its comprehensive negative impact.

an absolute debacle

Highlights the chaotic and embarrassing nature of the failure.

an utter failure

Focuses on the lack of success, pointing out the complete ineffectiveness or fruitlessness of the effort.

a resounding flop

Highlights the public or widespread nature of the failure, emphasizing its noticeable and disappointing outcome.

a dismal failure

Underscores the bleak and discouraging nature of the failure, conveying a sense of gloom and hopelessness.

a complete washout

Emphasizes that the outcome was unsuccessful and worthless, like a plan ruined by rain.

a crushing defeat

Points out the demoralizing impact of the failure, highlighting the sense of being overwhelmed or overcome.

a monumental blunder

Stresses the significant error or mistake that led to the failure, emphasizing its scale and impact.

a spectacular failure

Highlights the dramatic or conspicuous nature of the failure, emphasizing its visibility and impact.

FAQs

How can I use "a total disaster" in a sentence?

You can use "a total disaster" to describe events or situations that have gone completely wrong. For example: "The party was "a total disaster" because no one showed up."

What can I say instead of "a total disaster"?

Alternatives include "a complete failure", "an utter catastrophe", or "a resounding flop", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is it acceptable to use "a total disaster" in formal writing?

While "a total disaster" is widely understood, it may be more appropriate to use a more formal alternative like "a complete failure" or "an unmitigated disaster" in formal writing contexts.

What's the difference between "a total disaster" and "a minor setback"?

"A total disaster" indicates a complete and significant failure, while "a minor setback" refers to a small, temporary obstacle. Using the terms accurately reflects the scale of the problem.