absolutely brutal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely brutal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extremely harsh, severe, or difficult, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The competition was absolutely brutal this year, with many talented teams vying for the top spot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Absolutely brutal stuff.

The Guardian - Sport

The competitive landscape looks absolutely brutal.

The New York Times - Tech

We were absolutely brutal in our own zone as forwards.

The New York Times - Sports

An absolutely brutal rally plays out, 24 shots in all.

The Guardian - Sport

The AI rarely makes stupid moves, and will respond to your mistakes with absolutely brutal efficiency.

The Guardian - Tech

Fryer, however, said that missing the foul was "brutal, absolutely brutal".

The New York Times - Sports

"Ironically, given his overzealous refereeing alter ego, he is an absolutely brutal 5 a side player.

The Guardian - Sport

The Championship is absolutely brutal in terms of the number of games.

The Guardian - Sport

"There's a few patches out there where it's just absolutely brutal.

The Guardian - Sport

"If you think it's been bad for schools, it's been absolutely brutal for sixth-form colleges.

The Guardian

He could be absolutely brutal in meetings: I watched him eviscerate staff members for their "bozo ideas".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolutely brutal" to emphasize the extreme severity or harshness of a situation. It is effective when you want to convey a strong negative impact or experience.

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely brutal" in highly formal or professional writing where a more nuanced or objective tone is required. Opt for alternatives like "extremely severe" or "highly challenging" to maintain professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely brutal" functions as an intensifier followed by an adjective. It serves to strongly emphasize the negative quality of something. Ludwig's examples show its use to describe harsh weather, intense competition, or severe actions, reinforcing its role as an emphatic descriptor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sport

15%

General

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "absolutely brutal" is a common and effective way to express something extremely harsh or severe. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as sports reporting. While the phrase carries a strong emotional charge, it's important to consider the register and audience when choosing between "absolutely brutal" and alternative phrases such as "utterly savage", "completely ruthless", or "extremely harsh". Using "absolutely brutal" can powerfully emphasize negative experiences, but maintaining an awareness of formality ensures that the expression aligns with the intended communication goals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly savage

Emphasizes the merciless and fierce nature of something.

completely ruthless

Focuses on the lack of compassion or pity.

totally merciless

Highlights the absence of mercy or leniency.

extremely harsh

A more moderate way to express severe conditions or treatment.

incredibly severe

Stresses the intensity and gravity of a situation.

exceptionally cruel

Highlights the element of malicious intent or suffering.

unbelievably grim

Underscores the bleak and depressing nature of an event or situation.

devastatingly fierce

Focuses on the destructive power and intensity.

downright vicious

Implies a spiteful and malicious nature.

plain awful

A less intense, more colloquial way to express something very unpleasant.

FAQs

How can I use "absolutely brutal" in a sentence?

"Absolutely brutal" is used to describe something extremely harsh or severe. For instance, "The winter weather was absolutely brutal this year" or "The competition was absolutely brutal".

What are some alternatives to "absolutely brutal"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "utterly savage", "completely ruthless", or "extremely harsh".

Is "absolutely brutal" too informal for academic writing?

While "absolutely brutal" isn't inherently incorrect, it may be perceived as too informal for most academic contexts. Consider using more precise and less emotive language, such as "exceptionally challenging" or "extremely difficult", depending on your specific meaning.

What's the difference between "absolutely brutal" and "very difficult"?

"Absolutely brutal" conveys a higher degree of severity and negative impact than "very difficult". While "very difficult" simply indicates a high level of challenge, "absolutely brutal" suggests an almost unbearable or devastating experience.