appalling relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appalling relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship that is extremely bad or unacceptable, often highlighting issues such as conflict, lack of communication, or emotional distress. Example: "Their appalling relationship was evident to everyone, as they constantly argued and showed no respect for each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

At the heart of their problem is an appalling relationship with the police.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Frederick, in spite of his appalling personal relationship with his father, admired him as a ruler and freely acknowledged the debt he owed him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For too long the appalling US-UN relationship has been a taboo subject in all international circles, making it ever more impossible to address - let alone repair.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is, he said, "an appalling view of human relationships".

The New York Times - Books

SNL trivializing sexual harassment, rape, inappropriate student/teacher relationships was appalling.

Huffington Post

"What we wanted to do was give a slightly exaggerated version of that perspective, with the parents behaving disgracefully, swearing all the time, being in terrible relationships and being appalling parents.

The New York Times - Arts

Both that marriage, and the second to his nurse, Elaine Mason (a "passionate and tempestuous" relationship) failed under the appalling pressure of his illness.

The Guardian

She takes my appalling fandom graciously but says 'people's relationships with records are their own.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In general his relationship with the British newspapers was appalling.

The Guardian - Sport

She has, she says, a "weird relationship" with performing – she suffers from appalling stage fright, and can barely relate to her larger-than-life on-stage persona.

The Guardian - Music

But before her trial, neither the prosecution nor the defence had investigated the relationship between Montgomery's many symptoms and her appalling history.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "appalling relationship", be specific about the issues that make it so. Instead of just stating it's awful, detail the behaviors or circumstances contributing to the negative assessment.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the negativity of the relationship. While "appalling" is strong, ensure it accurately reflects the situation and isn't used gratuitously to sensationalize.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appalling relationship" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "appalling" modifies "relationship", emphasizing the extremely negative and unacceptable nature of the connection. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appalling relationship" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a severely negative connection, as validated by Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, it finds primary usage in news and media contexts to express strong disapproval or highlight the severity of a relationship. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants such a strong term and provide specific details to substantiate the assessment. Consider alternatives like "dreadful connection" or "horrific association" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dreadful connection

Changes the adjective to describe the negativity of the connection, maintaining the core meaning.

horrific association

Substitutes both the adjective and noun to convey a similar sense of extreme negativity and problematic linkage.

terrible bond

Alters both words to represent a negative link or tie, indicating a poor or unpleasant connection.

awful rapport

Modifies the phrase to describe a lack of positive connection or understanding between individuals.

dysfunctional dynamic

Replaces the original words with terms that suggest impaired or abnormal interactions.

catastrophic liaison

Emphasizes the disastrous nature of the link or relationship, intensifying the negative connotation.

abysmal entanglement

Highlights the depth of failure or negativity within the connection, suggesting a problematic involvement.

lamentable alliance

Conveys the idea of a regrettable or unfortunate partnership or connection.

deplorable connection

Expresses strong disapproval or condemnation of the link, indicating a highly negative association.

wretched partnership

Describes the relationship as being of very poor quality or in a state of distress.

FAQs

How can I use "appalling relationship" in a sentence?

You can use "appalling relationship" to describe a connection characterized by severe discord or negativity. For example, "Their "appalling relationship" was a constant source of stress for their children".

What are some synonyms for "appalling relationship"?

Alternatives include "dreadful connection", "horrific association", or "terrible bond", each conveying a similar sense of a severely negative connection.

Is it appropriate to use "appalling relationship" in formal writing?

Yes, "appalling relationship" is suitable for formal writing when accurately describing a severely negative connection. However, ensure the tone and context align with the overall formality of the piece.

What distinguishes "appalling relationship" from "difficult relationship"?

"Appalling relationship" suggests a much more severe and negative connection than "difficult relationship". "Appalling" implies a shocking or deeply disturbing level of negativity, whereas "difficult" simply suggests challenges or obstacles.