an utter failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an utter failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that has completely failed in achieving a goal or expectation. Example: "Despite the team's efforts, the project was deemed an utter failure due to lack of planning and resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are an utter failure.

University of California, Berkeley

The coup was an utter failure.

The New York Times - Books

Ecotowns reflect an utter failure of imagination.

The Guardian - Arts

I'm an utter failure at solving.

The Guardian

By this measure, the trials have been an utter failure.

The Economist

They did not call it an utter failure.

The New York Times

And if that was the purpose of the calorie postings, it was an utter failure.

Cornell University

By any of those terms, this new policy is an utter failure.

The New York Times

America's long-standing attempt to isolate Cuba both commercially and diplomatically has been an utter failure.

The Economist

Barack Obama declared the war on drugs to be "an utter failure".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

One common view is that the reasons why it is 'an utter failure' (Saka 1998, p. 114) reveals something about how to go about constructing an acceptable theory of quotation.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "an utter failure", ensure the context clearly defines what specific goal or expectation was not met. This adds clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "an utter failure" as a general term of disapproval. Instead, specify the area or aspect that failed to provide a more constructive and informative critique.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an utter failure" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object complement. It provides a description or evaluation of something, characterizing it as having completely failed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an utter failure" is a common and direct way to describe something that has completely failed to achieve its intended purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, most notably in News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, it's important to provide specific context to enhance clarity and avoid overuse as a general term of disapproval. Alternatives like "a complete failure" or "a total failure" can be used for similar emphasis, while options like "a significant setback" may be more appropriate in formal settings. The frequency and diverse application of "an utter failure" across authoritative sources underscore its relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complete failure

Replaces "utter" with "complete", offering a slightly less emphatic alternative.

a total failure

Substitutes "utter" with "total", providing a synonym with similar intensity.

an unmitigated disaster

Uses "disaster" instead of "failure", emphasizing the negative consequences of the failure.

a dismal failure

Replaces "utter" with "dismal", highlighting the disappointing nature of the failure.

an abject failure

Substitutes "utter" with "abject", stressing the humiliating or degrading aspect of the failure.

a resounding failure

Emphasizes the clear and undeniable nature of the failure.

a spectacular failure

Highlights the notable or remarkable nature of the failure, often implying a public or highly visible failure.

a lost cause

Shifts focus from the event to the futility of continuing effort.

a hopeless case

Indicates a lack of potential for improvement or success.

a futile attempt

Emphasizes the worthlessness or ineffectiveness of the effort made.

FAQs

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

You can use "an utter failure" to describe something that has completely failed to achieve its intended outcome. For example, "The marketing campaign was "an utter failure", resulting in significant losses for the company".

What are some alternatives to "an utter failure"?

Alternatives include "a complete failure", "a total failure", "an unmitigated disaster", or "a dismal failure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "an utter failure" in formal writing?

While "an utter failure" is widely understood, it can sound somewhat harsh. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "a significant setback" or "a disappointing outcome" to maintain a more professional tone.

What makes something qualify as "an utter failure"?

For something to be considered "an utter failure", it must fall far short of its goals or expectations, demonstrating a complete lack of success. The term often implies that the failure was both significant and undeniable.