colossal mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

"colossal mistake" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a mistake that is very large, enormous, or extremely significant. Example: The CEO's decision to invest in the failing company proved to be a colossal mistake, resulting in massive financial losses for the entire company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a colossal mistake.

The Washington Post

Yet this would be a colossal mistake.

The Economist

And it was a colossal mistake.

The New York Times

It's a colossal mistake on her part".

The New York Times

"I think it's a colossal mistake," Mr. Curran said.

The New York Times

This was a colossal mistake that destroyed a unique ecosystem.

The Economist

Such a plan would be a colossal mistake.

The New York Times

This head in the sand approach is a colossal mistake.

The Guardian

"To close that flush off would be a colossal mistake," he said.

The New York Times

Certainly the Narmada dam projects, as is clear today, were a colossal mistake.

The New York Times

This is a colossal mistake and is the downfall of many IT projects.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "colossal mistake" to underscore the magnitude and impact of an error. It is stronger than simply saying "mistake".

Common error

Avoid using "colossal mistake" for trivial errors; its impact is lessened when applied to insignificant situations. Reserve it for instances where the ramifications are genuinely substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "colossal mistake" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe an error of significant magnitude. For example, "Failing to set up a blind trust is a colossal mistake."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "colossal mistake" effectively conveys the idea of a large, significant error. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" contexts. Its strength lies in emphasizing the magnitude and impact of the mistake, making it more than just a simple error. While versatile, it's crucial to reserve it for situations where the consequences are genuinely substantial to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives such as "major blunder" or "grave error" can offer similar meaning with slightly different nuances. Ultimately, "colossal mistake" serves as a potent descriptor for errors with far-reaching implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major blunder

Replaces "mistake" with "blunder", indicating a careless or stupid mistake.

grave error

Substitutes "colossal" with "grave", emphasizing the serious consequences of the error.

terrible misjudgment

Replaces "mistake" with "misjudgment", highlighting the poor decision-making involved.

huge miscalculation

Suggests the mistake stems from an incorrect calculation or assessment.

monumental failure

Shifts the focus to the outcome of the mistake, emphasizing its scale and impact.

epic fail

An informal expression that emphasizes the scale and public nature of the failure.

critical oversight

Emphasizes that the mistake was caused by a failure to notice something important.

disastrous decision

Focuses on the decision-making aspect of the mistake, highlighting the catastrophic consequences.

regrettable error

Highlights the feeling of remorse associated with the mistake.

ill-advised action

Focuses on the action that led to the mistake, emphasizing its lack of wisdom.

FAQs

How can I use "colossal mistake" in a sentence?

You can use "colossal mistake" to describe a decision, action, or event that has had extremely negative consequences. For instance, "Ignoring the expert's advice proved to be a "colossal mistake"".

What are some alternatives to "colossal mistake"?

Alternatives include "major blunder", "grave error", or "terrible misjudgment", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "colossal mistake" in formal writing?

Yes, "colossal mistake" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you need to emphasize the severity of an error. However, ensure that the tone and context align with the gravity of the situation.

What distinguishes a "colossal mistake" from a regular mistake?

The key difference is the scale and impact. A "colossal mistake" implies that the error has widespread or severe consequences, far exceeding the impact of an ordinary mistake.