depressing statistics

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depressing statistics" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing data or figures that convey a negative or discouraging message, often in contexts like reports, articles, or discussions about social issues. Example: "The report revealed some depressing statistics about the rise in unemployment rates during the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Depressing statistics, however, don't sell products.

The New York Times

It's my job to be up to speed on depressing statistics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dignity was a theme running strongly through the speech, during which Eliasson reeled off a string depressing statistics.

The Guardian

While it is tempting to reel off the plethora of depressing statistics provided in this report, it is perhaps better to reflect on the salient theme – Israel and the occupation.

The Guardian

Part of promoting that understanding means rattling off depressing statistics to anyone who'll listen.

Forbes

For many years, we have heard depressing statistics about our schools, about the number of high school dropouts and the persistent achievement gap, especially in our communities of color.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Inadequacy of wages and income: While the inadequacy of jobs is depressing, the statistics on wages and income are even more so.

Huffington Post

The situation where many Nigerians are left without access to public health services for months on end in some instances as a result of strikes by demotivated health workers is most distasteful, and does not help our already depressing vital statistics" [ 66].

BMC Medical Ethics

Depressing though these statistics are, they do at least give the lie to the widely held assumption that men pay for sex because they can't get it by any other means.

The Guardian - Books

The students found the statistics depressing and the flowcharts in the workbooks unfathomable, but Pastor Young was neither of those things, and in three days of class only one student dozed off, briefly, following a Crock-Pot lunch.

The New Yorker

The implications of the statistics are depressing.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depressing statistics", ensure the context clearly explains why the statistics are considered depressing. Provide enough background information for the reader to understand the implications.

Common error

Avoid hyperbole or excessive emotional language when presenting "depressing statistics". Let the data speak for itself, and maintain a neutral tone to avoid appearing biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depressing statistics" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "depressing" modifies the noun "statistics". It highlights that the statistical data being presented is disheartening or negative. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "depressing statistics" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe statistical data that conveys negative or discouraging information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English. It's frequently found in news articles, scientific reports, and formal business documents to highlight unfavorable trends or situations. While presenting such statistics, it's important to provide context and avoid overly emotive language to maintain objectivity. Alternatives like "dismal data" or "discouraging figures" can be used to soften the tone in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dismal data

Replaces "statistics" with "data" and "depressing" with "dismal", focusing on the negative nature of the information.

discouraging figures

Uses "figures" instead of "statistics" and "discouraging" instead of "depressing", softening the emotional impact slightly.

grim numbers

Employs "numbers" for "statistics" and "grim" for "depressing", emphasizing the severe and somber aspect.

bleak metrics

Substitutes "statistics" with "metrics" and "depressing" with "bleak", highlighting the lack of positive outlook.

unpromising indicators

Replaces "statistics" with "indicators" and "depressing" with "unpromising", underscoring the absence of positive signals.

gloomy data points

Employs "data points" instead of "statistics" and "gloomy" for "depressing", stressing the melancholic essence.

sobering facts

Uses "facts" instead of "statistics" and "sobering" instead of "depressing", emphasizing the gravity and seriousness.

troubling trends

Replaces "statistics" with "trends" and "depressing" with "troubling", drawing attention to concerning patterns.

distressing numbers

Substitutes "statistics" with "numbers" and "depressing" with "distressing", highlighting the cause of anxiety and concern.

alarming rates

Employs "rates" instead of "statistics" and "depressing" with "alarming", emphasizing the cause for fear and concern.

FAQs

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

You can use "depressing statistics" to introduce data that reveals a negative trend or situation. For example: "The report revealed some "depressing statistics" about the rise in unemployment rates."

What can I say instead of "depressing statistics"?

You can use alternatives like "dismal data", "discouraging figures", or "grim numbers" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "depressing statistics" in formal writing?

While "depressing statistics" is understandable, in formal writing, consider using more neutral alternatives like "concerning data" or "unfavorable trends" to maintain a professional tone.

How do I avoid sounding biased when presenting "depressing statistics"?

Present the statistics objectively and provide context without using emotionally charged language. Focus on the factual information and avoid making subjective interpretations.