catastrophic results

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "catastrophic results" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase usually refers to a state of extreme damage, failure, or loss. For example, you could say: "The experiment ended with catastrophic results, as the data had been corrupted due to a power surge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The catastrophic results are well known.

The New York Times - Books

"Deviation from those instructions can have catastrophic results.

The New York Times

A physician's assistant mistakenly hit an artery, with catastrophic results.

The New York Times

The process, known as benchmarking, has had catastrophic results.

The Guardian - Opinion

Confronted with the catastrophic results of his strategy, he surrendered abjectly to the lenders.

The Guardian - Opinion

Why aren't they made to understand that breaking laws is what brings catastrophic results?

The New York Times

HENDRIK HERTZBERG: Neither did Ralph Nader, with far more catastrophic results.

The New Yorker

Mr. Barry takes off in a convertible, veering only once or twice, without catastrophic results.

The New York Times - Arts

Otherwise, the group warned, the country was headed for "catastrophic results".

The New York Times

The last big Niño, in 1982-83, had catastrophic results for the country.

The Economist

"Fixing your makeup or sending a text message could have catastrophic results," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "catastrophic results", ensure the context clearly establishes the cause of the negative outcome to emphasize accountability and prevent misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "catastrophic results" to describe minor setbacks or inconveniences. Reserve this phrase for situations where the consequences are genuinely devastating or have far-reaching negative impacts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catastrophic results" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "catastrophic" modifies the noun "results". It describes outcomes that are extremely negative and damaging. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "catastrophic results" is a commonly used phrase to describe extremely negative and damaging outcomes. Grammatically correct and widely accepted, as Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently found in news reports, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, indicating its suitability for formal and neutral contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the context aligns with the severity it implies, and consider alternatives like "disastrous consequences" or "devastating outcomes" to add variety to your writing. While "catastrophic results" is generally appropriate, avoid using it for trivial situations to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disastrous consequences

Replaces "results" with "consequences" and "catastrophic" with its synonym "disastrous", changing the noun but keeping the same negative impact.

devastating outcomes

Substitutes "results" with "outcomes" and "catastrophic" with "devastating", altering the specific terms while maintaining the expression's intensity.

terrible repercussions

Uses "repercussions" instead of "results" and "terrible" to convey the severity, resulting in a slightly less formal tone.

dire ramifications

Employs "ramifications" in place of "results" and "dire" to highlight the alarming nature of the consequences.

calamitous effects

Replaces "results" with "effects" and substitutes "catastrophic" with "calamitous", keeping a similar level of formality.

ruinous aftermath

Focuses on the "aftermath" rather than the immediate results, and uses "ruinous" to describe the destructive impact.

tragic fallout

Emphasizes the "tragic" nature of the "fallout", shifting the focus to the emotional and human cost.

grave consequences

Highlights the "grave" or serious nature of the "consequences", presenting a slightly more understated tone.

destructive repercussions

Combines the impact of "destructive" with the broader sense of "repercussions", suggesting widespread negative effects.

critical failures

Shifts the perspective to focus on "failures" that are "critical", pinpointing the breakdown and its magnitude.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "catastrophic results" in a sentence?

To use "catastrophic results" effectively, ensure the context clearly indicates the severity and scope of the negative outcomes. For example, "The company's mismanagement led to "catastrophic results", including bankruptcy and widespread job losses".

What are some alternatives to "catastrophic results"?

You can use alternatives such as "disastrous consequences", "devastating outcomes", or "terrible repercussions" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the term "catastrophic results"?

Use "catastrophic results" when describing situations where the outcomes are extremely negative, widespread, and have devastating effects. It's suitable for scenarios involving significant loss, failure, or damage.

Is "catastrophic results" a formal or informal phrase?

"Catastrophic results" is a relatively formal phrase suitable for use in news reports, academic papers, and professional communications. While understandable in informal settings, alternatives might be preferred depending on the context.