appalling situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appalling situation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a circumstance that is shocking, terrible, or unacceptable. Example: "The appalling situation in the refugee camps has drawn international attention and calls for action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is an appalling situation.

The Guardian

Brown told the BBC: "This is an appalling situation.

The Guardian

The appalling situation my clients now find themselves in was entirely predictable and avoidable.

The Guardian

Grade: E+ Appalling situation now, but an encouraging willingness to improve.

The Guardian

Here he has just spelled out the appalling situation on Page 19: wrinkles are forever.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is already in an appalling situation and lacks most of the basic medical stuff.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

What had been a depiction of humans in appalling situations turns didactic, and the final 45 minutes sometimes drag.

The New York Times

I met hundreds of my own people, the same people who used to live peacefully in Syria became refugees and are living in appalling situations.

The Guardian

"I loved the people I was working with: courageous activists working under difficult conditions, people who had an amazing sense of humor and sense of life despite pretty appalling situations.

Harvard University

Actively working to normalise the appalling situations experienced by these populations – for example, by ensuring schooling for children and enabling work for adults – is a good strategy to promoting mental health.

The Guardian

Both showed us what it was really like for those who had to cope in such appalling situations, what motivated them to keep living, as well as what drove those whose views we now think abhorrent.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "appalling situation", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the situation appalling to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the factors contributing to the negative state.

Common error

Avoid using "appalling situation" in situations that are merely inconvenient or mildly unpleasant. Reserve it for genuinely shocking or disastrous scenarios to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appalling situation" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "appalling" modifies the noun "situation". It describes a state or set of circumstances characterized by being shockingly bad or awful. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts to depict negative conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Huffington Post

3%

BBC

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appalling situation" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a shockingly bad or unacceptable state of affairs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s versatile enough for use across various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media, but also finding its place in formal business and academic writing. While powerful, it's crucial to reserve this phrase for genuinely dire scenarios to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives like "terrible predicament" or "horrific state of affairs" can offer nuanced variations, but "appalling situation" remains a potent choice when the gravity of the situation warrants it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrible predicament

Emphasizes the difficulty and helplessness of the situation.

dreadful circumstances

Highlights the unpleasant and severe conditions.

horrific state of affairs

Strongly conveys the shocking and unacceptable nature of the situation.

dire straits

Focuses on the urgency and danger of the situation.

deplorable conditions

Stresses the lamentable and unacceptable aspects.

grievous plight

Highlights the suffering and hardship involved.

atrocious mess

Conveys a sense of chaos and extreme disarray.

critical juncture

Indicates a pivotal and potentially dangerous point in time.

calamitous episode

Highlights the disastrous and unfortunate nature of an event.

lamentable state

Focuses on the regrettable and unfortunate condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "appalling situation" to describe a circumstance that is shockingly bad. For example: "The "appalling situation" in the refugee camps demands immediate attention."

What are some alternatives to "appalling situation"?

Alternatives include "terrible predicament", "dreadful circumstances", or "horrific state of affairs", each conveying a similar sense of dismay and severity.

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

Yes, "appalling situation" is appropriate in formal writing when accurately describing a severely negative state. However, consider alternatives like "dire straits" or "deplorable conditions" for a slightly more subdued tone.

What makes "appalling situation" different from "bad situation"?

"Appalling situation" implies a far greater degree of shock, disgust, or unacceptability than a simple "bad situation". It suggests something morally reprehensible or deeply disturbing, unlike the more general "bad situation".