demise

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "demise" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to the end of something, whether it be a person, an idea, a plan, a relationship, etc. Example sentence: The demise of the family business was a difficult moment for everyone involved.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pressed on a statement by the rightwing interior minister, Angelino Alfano, about the imminent demise of Mare Nostrum, Foffi said that he received the prime minister's orders through the defence minister and reacting to Alfano's statement was "not the way that military men conduct their activities".

The Guardian

Mare Nostrum's demise had seemed certain after the launch of a more limited "Triton" scheme was announced for 1 November.

The Guardian

The judge's findings led to Lawrie's demise as opposition leader and Wyvill, one of the NT's foremost silks and a known Labor supporter, resigned as president of the bar association.

The Guardian

A local boy made good, he declined to celebrate his part in the Bluebirds' demise.

The Guardian - Sport

The demise of the Forensic Science Service comes as police forces shift towards a more streamlined approach to the use of forensics in criminal cases.

The Guardian

The Man Booker prize may be one of the last shadows of that empire, evoking as it does an imagined community unchanged since 1921, when Irish independence began its demise.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a move that was interpreted as the beginning of the finance minister's political demise, it was announced that the British-educated economist, Euclid Tsakalotos, would be the pointman between Athens and foreign lenders at the EU, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

The Guardian - Business

As a scientist working for Natural England, the government's conservation watchdog, Stephen Murphy has spent the last eight years fitting hen harriers with £2,700-satellite transmitters to better understand the lifestyle of these birds, and the reasons for their demise.

The Guardian

The second stubborn myth, recycled on the BBC this week, is that the demise of the coal industry was simply a matter of profit and loss.

The Guardian

Although some readers have inquired of the paper whether the BBC's reports of page 3's newsprint demise were correct, there have not been any internal reports of people making specific complaints.

The Guardian

And more soap-lovers arrived at 7.30pm - 9.4 million and a 41.9% share - for the latest update from Coronation Street in the wake of Fred Elliott's demise.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "demise" to denote the end of something significant, such as a project, organization, or way of life. It carries a more formal and often negative connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "demise" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler words like "end" or "death" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Demise functions primarily as a noun, denoting the end or termination of something. It can refer to the death of a person, but more often signifies the end of something abstract like an organization, project, or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "demise" signifies the end or termination of something, often with a negative connotation, and is grammatically correct for use in written English. Ludwig AI data indicates it is frequently used in the news and media. While versatile, it’s best suited for neutral to formal contexts. Alternatives like "end", "downfall", or "decline" might be more appropriate depending on the specific situation. Avoid overuse in casual language and remember that it takes "of", not "to". Understanding these nuances will ensure effective and accurate usage of "demise" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

end

This is a simpler, more general term for conclusion.

downfall

Implies a fall from a higher position or state.

decline

Suggests a gradual deterioration or weakening.

failure

Focuses on the lack of success or accomplishment.

termination

A more formal term for bringing something to an end.

cessation

Emphasizes the stopping of an activity or process.

extinction

Refers to the complete disappearance of something, often a species.

ruin

Indicates severe damage or destruction.

collapse

Suggests a sudden and complete failure.

dissolution

Implies a breaking up or disintegration.

FAQs

How to use "demise" in a sentence?

The word "demise" typically refers to the end, failure, or termination of something, often in a formal or serious context. For example: "The "demise of the project" was due to lack of funding."

What can I say instead of "demise"?

You can use alternatives like "end", "downfall", "decline", or "failure" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "demise of" or "demise to"?

The correct usage is "demise of". For example: "the "demise of the empire"" is correct, while "demise to the empire" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "demise" and "death"?

"Demise" is often used in a more formal or figurative sense than "death". While "death" typically refers to the end of a life, "demise" can refer to the end of an organization, project, or idea.