dire outcomes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dire outcomes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe severe or serious consequences resulting from a particular action or situation. Example: "If we do not address climate change, we may face dire outcomes for future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

I have seen some dire outcomes where women opted for a home birth, against advice.

Independent

Most experts predicted dire outcomes for those deals, yet it hasn't quite turned out that way.

The New York Times

Even peers who were predicting dire outcomes didn't seem to believe that they would come to pass.

The New Yorker

They've predicted dire outcomes, including cuts to employee hours and the widespread reclassification of salaried employees as hourly workers.

The New Yorker

Ten years ago, Washington was worried about the budget outlook, and there were forecasts of dire outcomes.

The New York Times

In my practice, I have seen some dire outcomes where women opted for a home birth, against advice.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The antivirus companies say such a dire outcome is not likely.

The New York Times - Tech

For all the schadenfreude in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and elsewhere, this was a dire outcome for the Scottish game.

Independent

That dire outcome is still considered a long shot, even if Spain might eventually require a Greek-style bailout.

The New York Times

Most academics and opinion-makers know that the rate of return on postulating extreme outcomes is far greater than that of simply establishing facts: A columnist is much better off predicting a dire outcome than being caught up with the facts that lead to a complex and uncertain one.

The New York Times

They clog the channels and, eventually, prevent water flow altogether, a potentially dire outcome called hydraulic failure.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dire outcomes" to emphasize the urgency or critical nature of a situation. It's effective for highlighting the need for immediate action or serious consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "dire outcomes" in contexts where the consequences are merely undesirable rather than catastrophic. Overusing strong language can dilute its impact when truly serious situations arise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dire outcomes" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes serious and negative consequences, indicating potentially irreversible or catastrophic results. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dire outcomes" is a noun phrase used to describe severely negative consequences, often with a sense of urgency or warning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in news, scientific, and business contexts. While appropriate for formal writing, it's important to reserve "dire outcomes" for situations that genuinely warrant such strong language, avoiding overuse in mild contexts. Alternatives like "catastrophic consequences" or "grave repercussions" can be considered depending on the specific nuance required. Always ensure the severity of the described results aligns with the gravity of the phrase to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disastrous consequences

Implies an extremely negative result with long-lasting effects.

terrible outcomes

Highlights the extremely unpleasant nature of the results.

catastrophic consequences

Emphasizes the scale and severity of the negative results, suggesting widespread damage or loss.

negative consequences

A straightforward and widely applicable phrase for undesirable outcomes.

grave repercussions

Highlights serious and far-reaching effects, often in a formal or official context.

severe ramifications

Focuses on the complex and branching effects of a decision or event, implying long-term impact.

tragic results

Underscores the sorrowful and unfortunate nature of the outcome, emphasizing human suffering.

adverse effects

A more general term for negative impacts, suitable for various contexts.

unfavorable results

Emphasizes a lack of success or achievement, often in a business or competitive setting.

unfortunate results

Downplays the severity slightly, suggesting bad luck or chance.

FAQs

How can I use "dire outcomes" in a sentence?

You can use "dire outcomes" to describe severe consequences, such as: "Failure to address climate change could lead to "dire outcomes" for future generations."

What are some alternatives to "dire outcomes"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "dire outcomes" include "catastrophic consequences", "grave repercussions", or "severe ramifications".

Is it appropriate to use "dire outcomes" in formal writing?

Yes, "dire outcomes" is appropriate for formal writing when describing genuinely serious consequences. However, consider the audience and the specific tone you wish to convey; alternatives might be more suitable in certain cases.

What makes "dire outcomes" different from "negative consequences"?

"Dire outcomes" implies a much greater level of severity and urgency than "negative consequences". The former suggests potentially irreversible or catastrophic results, while the latter is a more general term for any undesirable outcome.