an utter disaster

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an utter disaster" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that has gone extremely wrong or failed completely. Example: "The event was planned for months, but when the storm hit, it turned into an utter disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

What an utter disaster.

The New York Times

It creates an utter disaster in terms of expectations".

The New York Times

In a 2005 interview with Back Stage, he called that movie "an utter disaster".

The New York Times

According to the chronicles, the Children's Crusade was an utter disaster.

Britannica

"They had a corner bath in here," he says, "which was an utter disaster.

The Guardian

This additional process, called 'marine ice cliff collapse,' causes an utter disaster if you apply it to Thwaites.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

A total, utter disaster.

The Guardian

"There is no governance; it's a complete, utter disaster," he said to them of his dealings in South Sudan.

Vice

The economic environment for all of these groups is an absolute and utter disaster.

The New York Times

Public diplomacy is "a complete and utter disaster in Iraq," said Mark Helmke, a senior staff member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who holds that the occupation authority has done little to counter criticism that it is an imperial, occupying force.

The New York Times

Europe's biggest economy suffered what analysts called a "complete and utter disaster" as it managed to sell only two-thirds of its 10-year bonds at auction.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While "an utter disaster" is widely applicable, assess if a more specific term (e.g., "fiasco", "debacle") might provide a more nuanced description.

Common error

Avoid using "an utter disaster" too frequently in your writing, as it can diminish its impact. Explore synonyms to maintain reader engagement and vary your descriptive language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an utter disaster" functions as a noun phrase used to describe something that has failed completely or gone extremely wrong. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to express a strong negative evaluation of a situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an utter disaster" is a noun phrase that describes something that has gone completely wrong, used to express strong disappointment or frustration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as encyclopedias. When writing, it's important to remember its neutral register. Alternative phrases like "a complete catastrophe" or "a total failure" may be used for a similar effect. While widely applicable, consider if a more specific term might better suit your needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complete catastrophe

Emphasizes the overwhelming and devastating nature of the event.

a total failure

Highlights the lack of success and the complete absence of positive outcomes.

a resounding flop

Suggests a failure that is widely recognized and often embarrassing.

an absolute fiasco

Indicates a situation marked by chaos, confusion, and a complete lack of control.

a crushing defeat

Focuses on the negative impact and the feeling of being overwhelmed by the failure.

a dismal failure

Highlights the gloomy and depressing nature of the unsuccessful outcome.

a terrible mess

Implies a disorganized and problematic situation resulting from the failure.

a wretched outcome

Emphasizes the unfortunate and undesirable result of the situation.

a painful debacle

Highlights the embarrassing and distressing aspects of the failure.

a shattering setback

Focuses on the damaging and disruptive impact of the failure on progress or plans.

FAQs

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

You can use "an utter disaster" to describe events or situations that have gone completely wrong. For example: "The party was meant to be a surprise, but it turned into "an utter disaster" when the guest of honor arrived early."

What's a more formal alternative to "an utter disaster"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "a complete failure" or "a total catastrophe" as alternatives to "an utter disaster".

Is "utter disaster" redundant?

While "disaster" alone conveys a negative event, "utter disaster" emphasizes the completeness and severity of the failure, making it a stronger expression.

What is the difference between "utter disaster" and "complete disaster"?

The phrases "utter disaster" and "complete disaster" are largely interchangeable and can be used to express the same meaning. Both emphasize the thoroughness of the failure. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.