an unmitigated disaster

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unmitigated disaster" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that has gone completely wrong without any relief or improvement. Example: "The project was an unmitigated disaster, resulting in significant financial losses for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is an unmitigated disaster.

Independent

It was an unmitigated disaster.

The New York Times

This Bill has been an unmitigated disaster".

Independent

It is an unmitigated disaster.

The Guardian

The event was an unmitigated disaster.

The Guardian - Music

The project was an unmitigated disaster.

The New Yorker

The camera was an unmitigated disaster.

The Guardian - Opinion

Obviously the campaign was an unmitigated disaster".

The Guardian

"It was an unmitigated disaster," says Molyneux.

The Guardian - Tech

The joint venture has been an unmitigated disaster.

The Economist

It cost £21 and was an unmitigated disaster.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While "an unmitigated disaster" is acceptable in many situations, more formal or technical writing might benefit from a more precise or nuanced description of the failure.

Common error

Avoid using "an unmitigated disaster" to describe minor inconveniences or setbacks. Its strong connotation can be disproportionate and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unmitigated disaster" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It describes a situation, event, or project as a complete and utter failure. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, appearing frequently in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Academia

11%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unmitigated disaster" is a noun phrase used to describe something that has failed completely and irredeemably. As Ludwig AI states, it's a correct and frequently used expression in English, found across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it conveys strong disapproval and emphasizes the magnitude of the failure. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the situation warrants such a strong description to avoid overstatement. Alternatives such as "a complete catastrophe" or "a total failure" can be used depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complete catastrophe

Replaces "disaster" with "catastrophe", implying a more significant and devastating event.

an utter catastrophe

Replaces "unmitigated" with "utter", emphasizing the completeness of the disaster.

an outright failure

Replaces "unmitigated disaster" with a two-word phrase that has a similar negative and impactful meaning.

a total failure

Uses more general terms to describe the lack of success.

a thorough fiasco

Uses "fiasco" instead of "disaster", highlighting the chaotic and embarrassing nature of the failure.

an absolute debacle

Substitutes "disaster" with "debacle", suggesting a humiliating failure.

a dismal failure

Replaces "unmitigated disaster" to a more descriptive and literary alternative.

a resounding flop

Implies the disaster was noticeable and widely unsuccessful.

a crushing defeat

Emphasizes the impact and magnitude of the failure.

a hopeless mess

Conveys a sense of disorganization and lack of control, rather than just failure.

FAQs

How can I use "an unmitigated disaster" in a sentence?

You can use "an unmitigated disaster" to describe a situation that has gone completely wrong. For example, "The company's new marketing campaign was "an unmitigated disaster", leading to significant financial losses."

What are some alternatives to "an unmitigated disaster"?

Alternatives include "a complete catastrophe", "a total failure", or "an absolute debacle" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "an unmitigated disaster" in formal writing?

While "an unmitigated disaster" is widely understood, it can sometimes be perceived as overly dramatic in formal writing. Consider using a more precise or technical term to describe the failure if appropriate.

What makes something qualify as "an unmitigated disaster"?

For something to be considered "an unmitigated disaster", it must be a complete failure without any redeeming qualities or positive outcomes. The consequences are usually significant and irreversible.