a washout

USAGE SUMMARY

"a washout" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that has failed or been unsuccessful. Example: "The event turned out to be a washout due to the heavy rain." Alternative expressions include "a failure" and "a flop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Desserts were a washout.

The New York Times

In visual terms he is a washout.

The New York Times - Arts

Could your trip be a washout?

Independent

Indeed, the whole spring was a washout.

The New York Times

The summer of 1816 was a washout.

The Guardian - Books

Academically, Italia Conti was a washout.

The Guardian

If this vintage is a washout, there's always next year!

The New York Times - Food

It launched the Shakespeare heritage industry but was a washout.

The Guardian

This is not say that Half-Earth is a washout.

The Guardian - Books

That said, this summer already looks like a washout.

The New York Times

With Tuesday a washout, what's not to watch today?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a washout" to describe situations, events, or performances that have completely failed to meet expectations or have been ruined, often unexpectedly.

Common error

Avoid using "a washout" literally when referring to physical cleaning or erosion; this phrase typically describes failure in a figurative sense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a washout" functions as a noun phrase used idiomatically. It typically acts as a predicate nominative or object complement, describing something that has been a failure or disappointment. Ludwig's examples show its common usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a washout" is an idiomatic phrase signifying a complete failure or disappointment. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread use, particularly in News & Media, with a neutral register. When using it, be mindful of its idiomatic sense, avoiding literal interpretations related to washing. Consider alternatives like "complete failure" for more formal contexts. Remember that while grammatically correct, its impact lies in its expressive power to convey disappointment and ineffectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complete failure

Focuses directly on the lack of success.

a total flop

Emphasizes a sudden and often embarrassing failure.

an utter disaster

Highlights the negative consequences and scale of the failure.

a dead loss

Indicates something that is unproductive or unprofitable.

a fruitless endeavor

Suggests wasted effort with no positive outcome.

a non-starter

Implies something was never viable from the beginning.

a lost cause

Focuses on the futility of trying to salvage the situation.

a waste of time

Highlights the wasted time and resources.

an ineffective measure

Specifically points out the lack of effectiveness of a particular action.

a futile attempt

Emphasizes the lack of success despite effort.

FAQs

How can I use "a washout" in a sentence?

You can use "a washout" to describe something that was a complete failure or disappointment. For example, "The summer was "a washout" due to the constant rain" or "The new product launch was "a washout" because of poor marketing".

What phrases are similar to "a washout"?

Similar phrases include "a complete failure", "a total flop", or "an utter disaster", all conveying a sense of significant disappointment or lack of success.

Is it appropriate to use "a washout" in formal writing?

While "a washout" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more direct alternatives like "failure" or "unsuccessful".

Can "a washout" be used to describe a person?

Yes, "a washout" can describe a person who is deemed a failure or has not lived up to expectations, although this usage can be considered harsh. For example, "He was "a washout" in his career".