an unmitigated failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unmitigated failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or outcome that is considered a complete and total failure without any mitigating factors. Example: "The project was an unmitigated failure, resulting in significant financial losses for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Kerensky's June Offensive was an unmitigated failure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At first I felt like an unmitigated failure.

The Washington Post

He has been an unmitigated failure leading this city.

The New York Times

Fear And Loathing was an unmitigated failure for all concerned.

The Guardian - Film

My effort to pack a standard pepper mill with the elongated nubs was an unmitigated failure.

The New York Times - Magazine

Missing the final on November 22 would be an unmitigated failure, Peacock said.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The PD's tally was a dire 24%, almost a third less than its share of the vote in Sardinia in the general election last April.Mr Veltroni's resignation was a tacit acknowledgment that his 14 months as leader have been an almost unmitigated failure.

The Economist

In the letter, Starboard expressed concern about the estimated $500 million dollar a year losses and unmitigated failure of the company's Display business and media aspirations.

TechCrunch

Mountbatten was furious, which must have troubled Radzy, since he was totally sycophantic about royalty; the history of the dispersal policy has been the unmitigated failure its critics predicted.

The Guardian

Given the quality of some of the teams who avoided relegation from last season's Premier League, and of Watford's' fellow promotees, it seems puzzling bookmakers and journalists (including ourselves, to be fair) appear united in forecasting unmitigated failure.

The Guardian - Sport

After all Leaf had been through — from the unmitigated failure of his professional playing career to the drug problem that cost him a college coaching job to the brain tumor that was removed last year — he seemed to have found a bit of happiness in his hometown.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an unmitigated failure", consider the context. While impactful, it can sound overly harsh in certain situations. Ensure your tone matches the seriousness of the failure you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "an unmitigated failure" for minor setbacks or disappointments. Its strong connotation is best reserved for situations where the outcome is genuinely and completely unsuccessful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unmitigated failure" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or an appositive. It characterizes a subject as having completely failed, with no positive aspects. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unmitigated failure" is a powerful phrase used to describe something that has completely and utterly failed, lacking any redeeming qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, especially in News & Media. While impactful, it's essential to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations where the failure is truly comprehensive and significant. Consider alternative phrases like "a complete disaster" or "an absolute fiasco" for less formal or intense situations. Understanding its nuance helps ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complete disaster

Emphasizes the disastrous consequences of the failure, focusing on the negative impact.

an absolute fiasco

Suggests a chaotic and embarrassing failure, highlighting the mismanagement and lack of control.

a total catastrophe

Indicates a devastating failure with far-reaching and destructive effects.

a resounding failure

Highlights the undeniable and emphatic nature of the failure, leaving no room for doubt.

an utter flop

Implies a complete lack of success, often used in a more informal context.

a dismal failure

Stresses the bleak and depressing nature of the failure, conveying a sense of hopelessness.

a lost cause

Suggests that success was never possible and any effort was futile.

a hopeless case

Similar to "a lost cause", emphasizing the lack of any chance of success or improvement.

a non-starter

Indicates something that was never viable or had any potential for success from the beginning.

a dead end

Implies a situation or path that leads to no positive outcome or progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "an unmitigated failure" to describe something that has completely failed and has no redeeming qualities. For example, "The project was "an unmitigated failure", resulting in significant financial losses."

What's a less formal alternative to "an unmitigated failure"?

Less formal alternatives include "a complete disaster", "an absolute fiasco", or "a total flop". These options convey a similar meaning but with a less severe or formal tone.

When is it appropriate to use "an unmitigated failure"?

It's appropriate to use "an unmitigated failure" when describing a situation where something has completely failed, with no positive aspects or mitigating circumstances. It's best used for events with serious negative consequences.

Is "an unmitigated disaster" similar in meaning to "an unmitigated failure"?

Yes, "an unmitigated disaster" is very similar in meaning. While "failure" focuses on the lack of success, "disaster" highlights the negative and harmful consequences of the event. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.