depressing outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depressing outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a result or conclusion that evokes feelings of sadness or disappointment. Example: "The study revealed a depressing outcome, showing that the majority of participants did not achieve their goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It's a real concern amongst fans of the show that the writers will thwart every single aspect of Walt's revenge and serve us up the most depressing outcome possible, just to prove a point.

Independent

That loss of hope and optimism about a better world is the most depressing outcome of the current crisis and it is no wonder that many seek refuge in the false nostalgia of an unspoiled world before the ravages of capitalism prompted "all that is solid to melt into air".

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps the new entrepreneurs will restore it but, for the time being at least, the real losers from the financial folly of the past decade are communities up and down the country which are now worse informed than a century ago, a depressing outcome in what is supposed to be the age of information overload.

The Guardian

The remarkable point that was noted is that at pH 8, where the removal was superior, the increase in doses of sago and bean (1.5 and 2 mg/l) has shown a depressing outcome.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But, at least those official reports on the depressing outcomes of those so-called innovations would be addressed to him.

Huffington Post

"As a Briton and as an academic, departure from the EU would just be too depressing an outcome to consider," he tells me.

Vice

There is a depressing predictability about the outcome – nothing will change.

The Guardian

Given this depressing state of affairs, a decisive outcome for either side would be unacceptable for the United States.

The New York Times

If so, I fear the outcome will be evasive, depressing, and miss the point of what is needed.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Eggers' novel his character Mae willingly embraces The Circle, and that outcome is perhaps even more depressing.

Huffington Post

This needs to happen, because the outcome otherwise is inevitable and depressing: these buildings these institutions of the local area being developed and repurposed as luxury accommodation.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "depressing outcome" to describe situations where the result is not just negative, but also emotionally disheartening. Consider stronger alternatives if a purely factual or objective description is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "depressing outcome" when a more neutral term like "negative result" or "unfavorable outcome" would be more appropriate. "Depressing" carries a strong emotional connotation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depressing outcome" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "depressing" modifies the noun "outcome". It describes a result or conclusion that causes sadness or discouragement. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "depressing outcome" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe a result that is disheartening or causes sadness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, although it is not very common. It is most frequently found in news and media, and scientific contexts. When writing, be mindful of the emotional weight the word "depressing" carries and consider using more neutral terms in formal contexts. Alternatives such as "bleak outcome" or "disheartening result" can provide similar meaning with slightly different nuances. Consider that sources are mostly from news and media, so the tone is somewhat informal. Make sure the more objective options can fit better in scientific, business or encyclopedic texts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bleak outcome

Replaces "depressing" with "bleak", emphasizing a lack of hope.

disheartening result

Substitutes both words to convey a feeling of lost enthusiasm or morale.

dismal conclusion

Uses "dismal" to highlight the negativity and "conclusion" to indicate a final judgment.

unfortunate consequence

Shifts focus to the negative result being an unintended consequence.

regrettable development

Emphasizes the feeling of regret associated with the situation.

tragic development

Heightens the severity, suggesting a deeply sorrowful result.

disappointing turn of events

Expands on the phrase to include the unfolding of events leading to the negative result.

grim finale

Evokes a sense of finality and severity.

negative ramification

Implies the outcome is an indirect and undesirable effect.

undesirable effect

Replaces both words and expresses that a particular effect is not wanted or welcome.

FAQs

How can I use "depressing outcome" in a sentence?

You can use "depressing outcome" to describe a situation where the result is disheartening or causes sadness. For example, "The study's findings revealed a "depressing outcome" for the participants".

What are some alternatives to "depressing outcome"?

Alternatives include "bleak outcome", "disheartening result", or "dismal conclusion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "depressing outcome" a formal or informal phrase?

"Depressing outcome" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in news, opinion pieces, and less formal academic writing. For highly formal settings, consider alternatives with less emotional weight.

When is it inappropriate to use "depressing outcome"?

Avoid using "depressing outcome" when a more objective or neutral description is required. In scientific reports or technical documents, phrases like "negative result" or "unfavorable outcome" might be more suitable.