an utter travesty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an utter travesty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong disapproval or condemnation of a situation, event, or action that is perceived as a gross injustice or failure. Example: "The decision to cut funding for the arts is an utter travesty that undermines our cultural heritage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Movies

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It's an utter travesty of cinema," one poster wrote on Somethingawful.com.

The New York Times

And if Walcott somehow ends up with England in France this summer it'll be an utter travesty.

The Guardian - Sport

There can be, wrote Mr. Rakoff, an "utter travesty of justice that sometimes results from the guidelines' fetish with abstract arithmetic, as well as the harm that guideline calculations can visit on human beings if not cabined by common sense".

The New York Times

Even more damaging is the moral spinelessness of the narrative; the holiday, though an utter travesty, somehow furnishes Jane with a Darcy of her own, who in turn breaks through the shell of fakery to reveal his genuine worth.

The New Yorker

A string of Ralph Miliband's contemporaries including Professor Robin Blackburn, the editor of New Left Review for almost 20 years said the attack in the Daily Mail was "an utter travesty and completely wrong about Ralph".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But Judge Rakoff rejected such a severe punishment, describing "the utter travesty of justice that sometimes results from the guidelines' fetish with abstract arithmetic, as well as the harm that guideline calculations can visit on human beings if not cabined by common sense".

The New York Times

Judge Rakoff wrote that the proposed sentence exposed the "utter travesty of justice that sometimes results from the guidelines' fetish with abstract arithmetic".

The New York Times

What an utter disaster.

The New York Times

This is an utter fantasy.

The New York Times

It was an utter failure.

Forbes

Yet such an image is a travesty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an utter travesty" to express strong disapproval or condemnation, reserving it for situations where you believe there is a severe injustice or failure. This phrase carries significant weight and should be used judiciously.

Common error

Avoid using "an utter travesty" for minor inconveniences or disagreements. Its impact is diminished when applied to situations that do not warrant such strong condemnation. Choose a less dramatic phrase for trivial matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an utter travesty" functions as a judgmental expression, conveying strong disapproval or condemnation. It is typically used to describe a situation, event, or decision perceived as a gross injustice or failure, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Opinion

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an utter travesty" is a phrase used to express strong disapproval or condemnation of something deemed a complete failure or injustice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears mostly in news and media contexts. While appropriate for formal writing, it should be used judiciously, avoiding overuse in trivial situations. Alternatives like "a complete injustice" or "an absolute disgrace" may be suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a travesty of justice

Similar in meaning but omits the intensifier "utter".

a complete injustice

Focuses on the lack of fairness or equity.

an absolute disgrace

Emphasizes the shamefulness or unworthiness of something.

a total mockery

Highlights the ridiculous or derisory nature of a situation.

a gross miscarriage of justice

Specifically refers to a failure within the legal system.

a complete farce

Highlights the absurd or ridiculous nature of a situation.

a crying shame

Expresses strong regret or disappointment about something.

a blatant outrage

Emphasizes the shocking and offensive nature of something.

utterly unacceptable

Indicates that something is completely intolerable.

a flagrant violation

Emphasizes the open and obvious nature of a transgression.

FAQs

What does "an utter travesty" mean?

The phrase "an utter travesty" signifies something that is a complete and shocking failure or injustice. It's used to express strong disapproval.

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

You might say, "The decision to close the library is "an utter travesty", as it deprives the community of essential resources."

What are some alternatives to "an utter travesty"?

Consider using phrases like "a complete injustice", "an absolute disgrace", or "a total mockery" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, but use it judiciously. While grammatically correct, it's a strong phrase that should be reserved for situations genuinely deserving of such condemnation. Consider the tone and audience of your writing.