an epic fail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an epic fail" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a significant or humorous failure, often in a lighthearted or informal context. Example: "The event was supposed to be a grand celebration, but the power went out, resulting in an epic fail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is an epic fail.

The Washington Post

It's not an epic fail.

The Washington Post

You may be witnessing an epic fail.

The Guardian

"When you throw shit up here, that's an epic fail.

The Guardian - Music

"For a so-called genius, this was an epic fail," Trump's campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, said.

The New Yorker

Thematically, the rebellion is pretty traditional: they like hearing that their feelings rule and that the adult world is an epic fail.

The New Yorker

A statement issued on social media reads: "I put yesterday down to an epic fail in my life for many reasons.

Independent

It has been dubbed an "epic fail" and the biggest screw-up in reality TV history – and left some wondering if it wasn't all just a publicity stunt.

The Guardian

"This is an epic fail for Bloomberg and Mary Wittenberg," Luisa Lisciandrello of Brooklyn wrote in an online petition at www.change.org.org

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Catastrophe" means: (a) epic fail (b) #latergram (c) T.T.Y. L

The New Yorker

(b) it is what it is (c) twerking (d) YOLO (a) epic fail (b) #latergram (c) T.T.Y. L

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about events that have broader consequences, or using the term in business environment, use more formal alternatives like "a complete disaster" or "a resounding failure".

Common error

Avoid using "an epic fail" in highly formal or professional settings, such as academic papers or official reports. It can come across as unprofessional. Instead, opt for more neutral or formal alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an epic fail" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or object complement. It characterizes a situation or event as a significant failure. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an epic fail" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly in news and media, to describe significant and often humorous failures. While considered correct by Ludwig AI, it's best suited for informal contexts and should be replaced with more formal alternatives in professional or academic writing. Remember to consider the audience and purpose when using this phrase to ensure the tone is appropriate. Alternatives such as "a complete disaster" or "a resounding failure" may be more suitable in certain settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complete disaster

Emphasizes the catastrophic nature of the failure.

a total fiasco

Highlights the embarrassing and chaotic aspect of the failure.

a resounding failure

Stresses the magnitude and clarity of the failure.

a monumental blunder

Focuses on the significant error or mistake made.

a crushing defeat

Highlights the feeling of being overwhelmed by the failure.

a spectacular collapse

Suggests a dramatic and sudden failure.

a miserable failure

Emphasizes the sadness and disappointment associated with the failure.

a hopeless case

Indicates a lack of any chance of success.

a lamentable mistake

Highlights the regret and sorrow caused by the failure.

a dead loss

Suggests a complete waste of time, effort, or resources.

FAQs

What does "an epic fail" mean?

"An epic fail" is an informal expression used to describe a particularly significant or spectacular failure, often with humorous undertones. It implies that something went very wrong in a noticeable or memorable way.

What can I say instead of "an epic fail"?

You can use alternatives like "a complete disaster", "a total fiasco", or "a resounding failure" depending on the context.

Is "an epic fail" appropriate for formal writing?

While "an epic fail" is widely understood, it's generally not suitable for formal writing. In such contexts, use more professional alternatives like "a significant setback" or "a major failure".

How can I use "an epic fail" in a sentence?

You can use "an epic fail" to describe anything from a failed attempt at cooking to a disastrous product launch. For example, "The attempt to fix the software bug turned into an epic fail."