complete disaster

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete disaster" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that has gone very wrong or failed completely. Example: "The event was planned for months, but when the day arrived, it turned into a complete disaster due to the unexpected storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a complete disaster.

Independent

It is a complete disaster".

The New York Times

It's not a complete disaster.

Independent

This is a complete disaster.

The New Yorker

It was a complete disaster.

Independent

We Democrats are a complete disaster.

The New Yorker

"It was a complete disaster," he said.

Independent

"Yet the service resulted in complete disaster".

The New York Times

Another Country isn't a complete disaster.

The Guardian - Music

"Our economy is a complete disaster.

The New York Times

The first half was a complete disaster.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complete disaster" to clearly convey a situation has failed entirely and caused significant negative outcomes. Ensure the context supports the strong negative connotation of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "complete disaster" to describe minor inconveniences or setbacks. Reserve it for scenarios where the failure is truly comprehensive and has far-reaching negative impacts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete disaster" functions as a noun phrase that acts as a predicate nominative or object complement, describing a situation, event, or project that has failed utterly. Ludwig examples show its use in describing diverse failures, from events to economic policies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complete disaster" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation that has gone entirely wrong. According to Ludwig, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, conveying a strong sense of failure and disappointment. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where the failure is truly comprehensive. Consider alternatives like "total catastrophe" or "utter failure" depending on the context to add nuance. It's also important to avoid overusing this phrase for minor inconveniences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

total catastrophe

Emphasizes the scale and severity of the disaster.

utter failure

Focuses on the lack of success or positive outcome.

absolute debacle

Highlights the chaotic and humiliating nature of the failure.

unmitigated fiasco

Underscores the lack of any redeeming qualities or successful elements.

complete meltdown

Suggests a breakdown or collapse of systems or control.

total train wreck

Illustrates a chaotic and unstoppable series of failures.

abject failure

Highlights the miserable and hopeless quality of the failure.

unqualified disaster

Emphasizes that there are no doubts about the disastrous outcome.

downright catastrophe

Stresses the outright disastrous nature of the situation.

thorough mess

Implies a high degree of disorganization and negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "complete disaster" in a sentence?

You can use "complete disaster" to describe events or situations that have gone terribly wrong. For example, "The party was a "complete disaster" because of the bad weather and lack of food."

What are some alternatives to saying "complete disaster"?

Alternatives to "complete disaster" include "total catastrophe", "utter failure", or "absolute debacle" depending on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "complete disaster" in formal writing?

While "complete disaster" is acceptable, more formal alternatives like "unmitigated fiasco" or "abject failure" may be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "complete disaster" and "major setback"?

"Complete disaster" implies a total and comprehensive failure, whereas "major setback" suggests a significant but potentially recoverable obstacle. The former is more severe and less hopeful than the latter.