as depressing as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as depressing as' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare two things, suggesting they are equally depressing. For example: "The feeling of failure is as depressing as the feeling of being unloved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As depressing as it is ironic.

Independent

Is this as depressing as it sounds?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mondays aren't as depressing as you think.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's not as depressing as it once was," she said.

The New York Times

We didn't expect this to be as depressing as it turned out to be.

The New York Times

Gottlieb's triumph of experience over hope is not as depressing as it sounds.

The New York Times - Books

The rest of the morning wasn't as depressing as Apple, though it was still terrible.

The Guardian - Tech

"It's just as depressing as your hotel," Eric the German comedian said.

The Guardian - Music

THERE is nothing as depressing as an artist who has lost touch with his talent.

The New York Times

The double standards are as depressing as the way we react to them, and report them.

The New York Times - Sports

The 70s decor (designed by Tom Scott) is as depressing as the people in it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as depressing as", ensure that the comparison is clear and that both elements being compared are understood to be negative or undesirable. For example, "The news was as depressing as a rainy Monday."

Common error

Avoid using "as depressing as" in situations where the comparison is disproportionate. Overstating the comparison can diminish the impact and make the statement seem insincere. For example, saying "Waiting in line was as depressing as losing a loved one" would be inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as depressing as" functions as a comparative construction, specifically an equative comparison. It highlights the similar degree of a negative emotional quality (depression) between two distinct subjects. Ludwig examples show how it is used to compare various situations, objects, or ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as depressing as" is a correct and frequently used comparative phrase that is used to equate the level of sadness or negativity between two different subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase functions to convey a subjective assessment, drawing a parallel between experiences. The usage is considered neutral to informal and common in media. When writing, ensure that the comparison is clear and proportional to the intensity of the situation. Alternatives such as "as gloomy as", "as bleak as", or "as disheartening as" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as disheartening as

Emphasizes a loss of morale or enthusiasm, differing slightly from the broader sense of sadness conveyed by the original phrase.

as gloomy as

Focuses on a sense of darkness or pessimism, which is a more specific aspect of depression.

as bleak as

Highlights a lack of hope or positive prospects, narrowing the focus to future outlook rather than general sadness.

as miserable as

Conveys a state of extreme unhappiness or suffering, slightly intensifying the feeling compared to the original phrase.

as sorrowful as

Stresses a deep sense of grief or sadness, potentially linked to a specific loss or event.

as unfortunate as

Highlights the element of bad luck or negative circumstance, shifting the focus from emotional state to external events.

as grim as

Indicates a severe or forbidding situation, emphasizing the harshness or unpleasantness of the circumstances.

as regrettable as

Focuses on the feeling of wishing something hadn't happened, shifting the emphasis to a sense of remorse or disappointment.

as pathetic as

Implies a sense of inadequacy or vulnerability, adding a layer of weakness or helplessness to the feeling of depression.

as disappointing as

Focuses specifically on the feeling of unmet expectations or failed hopes, which is a more specific form of sadness.

FAQs

How can I use "as depressing as" in a sentence?

Use "as depressing as" to compare two similarly disheartening things. For instance, "The movie was "as depressing as" a rainy day."

What are some alternatives to "as depressing as"?

You can use alternatives such as "as gloomy as", "as bleak as", or "as disheartening as" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as depressing as"?

Yes, "as depressing as" is grammatically correct. It's a comparative phrase used to indicate that two things are similarly depressing.

What's the difference between "as depressing as" and "more depressing than"?

"As depressing as" indicates that two things are equally depressing, while "more depressing than" implies that one thing is sadder or more disheartening than the other.