basket case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basket case" is correct and usable in written English.
In this context, "basket case" is used to refer to someone or something that is in a hopeless or helpless state. For example, "After losing her job, she became a complete basket case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

He was a basket case.

The New Yorker

Liberia was Africa's basket case.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was a basket case".

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's not some basket case.

The Guardian

"Washington is a complete basket case".

The New Yorker

California is a well-known basket case.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Ten years ago it was a basket-case.

The Economist

Like all basket-case narratives, it offers immediacy without insight.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's a basket-case.

Huffington Post

We're talking "basket-case" states here.

Vice

And then I made Basket Case and ruined my life.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "basket case" to describe a person, ensure the context is appropriate and sensitive. It can be considered a harsh or judgmental term.

Common error

Avoid using "basket case" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral and professional alternatives such as "ineffective", "dysfunctional", or "in crisis".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basket case" primarily functions as a noun phrase that serves as a subject complement or an appositive, describing a person, organization, or entity that is deemed helpless, ineffective, or in a state of severe disarray. Ludwig's examples show its usage across various contexts, from personal emotional states to the economic condition of countries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "basket case" is a noun phrase used to describe something or someone in a helpless or disastrous condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is common, it's important to consider the context and audience, as it can be seen as judgmental or insensitive in formal settings. Alternatives like "utter mess" or "hopeless situation" may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter mess

Replaces "case" with a more direct term for disarray, focusing on the chaotic aspect.

hopeless situation

Shifts the focus to the lack of positive prospects, emphasizing the futility.

complete disaster

Highlights the catastrophic nature of the situation, intensifying the negative impact.

total failure

Emphasizes the lack of success or achievement, concentrating on the negative outcome.

emotional wreck

Specifically refers to someone's emotional state, highlighting distress or instability.

state of collapse

Focuses on the process of deterioration or breakdown, emphasizing the loss of structure.

economic disaster

Focuses on the economical aspect of something that went terribly wrong.

train wreck

Uses a more vivid metaphor to describe something going disastrously wrong.

lost cause

Indicates that any effort to salvage the situation is futile, focusing on the inevitability of failure.

in a shambles

Describes a state of complete disorder and disorganization, emphasizing the lack of order.

FAQs

How can I use "basket case" in a sentence?

You can use "basket case" to describe a person or entity in a state of disarray. For example, "After the scandal, the company became a complete basket case" or "She was an emotional basket case after the breakup".

What's the difference between "basket case" and "utter mess"?

"Basket case" often implies a degree of helplessness or ineffectiveness, while "utter mess" simply describes a state of disorder. The former can apply to people or organizations, while the latter often refers to situations or things.

What are some alternatives to "basket case"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "hopeless situation", "complete disaster", or "emotional wreck".

Is it appropriate to describe a country as a "basket case"?

While it's grammatically correct, describing a country as a "basket case" can be seen as insensitive or overly critical. It's better to use more neutral terms like "economically unstable" or "in a state of crisis".