abject failure

USAGE SUMMARY

"abject failure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an utter or complete failure of someone or something. For example, "The project was an abject failure due to a lack of resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The drug war is an abject failure.

The New York Times

He said: "It was abject failure.

Independent

"For others it was an abject failure".

The New York Times - Arts

The 2006 law has been an abject failure.

Independent

The second campaign has been an abject failure.

The Economist

This so-called risk-weighting approach was an abject failure.

The New York Times

This is why austerity has been an abject failure.

The Economist

"We had moments of soaring triumph and abject failure".

The New York Times

F.D.R.'s New Deal had been an abject failure.

The New York Times

His whole year, even before Chelsea switched trainers, has been one of abject failure.

The New York Times - Sports

"His name," Mr. Cohen writes, "became a tag for abject failure, for deviant, for skank.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "abject failure" to emphasize the completeness and severity of a failure. It's stronger than simply saying something "failed".

Common error

While "abject failure" is a powerful phrase, avoid using it in overly casual or informal settings. Opt for less dramatic language when discussing minor setbacks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abject failure" functions as a noun phrase that describes a state or situation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is both correct and frequently used in English, emphasizing its role in conveying a strong negative assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abject failure" is a noun phrase used to describe a complete and utter lack of success. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage in written English. Primarily found in News & Media contexts, it's also used in Formal & Business settings, indicating its versatility. While generally formal, its strength should be considered in casual contexts. Alternatives include "complete disaster" and "utter defeat". The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to emphasize the severity and completeness of a failure, making it a potent tool for expressing strong disapproval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete disaster

Replaces "failure" with a more dramatic term, emphasizing the catastrophic nature of the event.

utter defeat

Focuses on the loss or vanquishment aspect of the failure, suggesting a clear and decisive loss.

resounding flop

Emphasizes the public and noticeable nature of the failure, often used for events or performances.

total fiasco

Implies that the failure was not only complete but also chaotic and embarrassing.

dismal performance

Focuses on the quality of the effort or execution that led to the failure.

abysmal result

Highlights the extremely poor outcome or consequence of an action or endeavor.

catastrophic collapse

Suggests a sudden and devastating failure, often used for systems or structures.

unmitigated debacle

Implies that the failure was complete and without any redeeming qualities.

crushing disappointment

Emphasizes the emotional impact of the failure, particularly the dashed hopes and expectations.

miserable showing

Similar to dismal performance, but often used in competitive contexts to describe a poor performance.

FAQs

What does "abject" mean in the context of "abject failure"?

In "abject failure", "abject" emphasizes the severity and completeness of the failure. It means something is utterly hopeless, miserable, or despicable.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "abject failure"?

Use "abject failure" when you want to emphasize that something has failed completely and utterly, leaving no room for doubt or partial success. It is appropriate when the consequences are significant or the disappointment is profound.

What can I say instead of "abject failure"?

You can use alternatives like "complete disaster", "utter defeat", or "total fiasco" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "abject failure" too strong of a phrase to use in professional communication?

While "abject failure" can be strong, it is acceptable in professional communication when accurately describing a severe and unambiguous failure. Consider the audience and context before using it, and ensure it's not used to unfairly criticize or demean.