disappointing track record

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disappointing track record" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a history of poor performance or outcomes in a particular area or context. Example: "The company's disappointing track record in customer service has led to a decline in client trust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Legislation has a disappointing track record, both at home and overseas (see article).

The Economist

In light of the disappointing track record of acquirers, this is a difficult sell at best.

Harvard Business Review

There is one striking exception to the disappointing track record for women: Tokyo's governor, Yuriko Koike.

The New York Times

But his inexperience in the world of disruptive technology, and a disappointing track record in lifting GE's stock, have left some observers puzzled.

The Washington Post

The greatest stimulus of objections to the hypothesis, however, is the disappointing track record in clinical trials of drugs that target amyloid-β.

Nature

We consistently call for more power to the people but have a disappointing track record of only saying this sotto voce, notably during the 2005 general election.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

With disappointing track records and resource constraints, they lack the capability, momentum, and resilience needed to pursue stretch goals.

Harvard Business Review

Written by Kate Angelo and directed by Alan Poul, the movie is essentially a vehicle for Jennifer Lopez, an appealing screen presence with a disappointing big-screen track record.

The New York Times

Advocates for Senator John Kerry, however, argued that Mr. Bush's economic track record was disappointing.

The New York Times

Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said as Every Child Counts had a proven track record of success and it was disappointing that its ring fenced funding has been removed.

BBC

Given localism and efficiency are the two pillars of the coalition government's vision for the future of public services, and social enterprises have such a strong track record in delivering both, these findings are disappointing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disappointing track record", provide specific examples or data to support your claim. This strengthens your argument and avoids vague generalizations.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of a "disappointing track record". While it indicates past underperformance, it doesn't automatically guarantee future failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disappointing track record" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the history or past performance of something, highlighting its failure to meet expectations. Ludwig confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disappointing track record" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a history of underperformance or failure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. It appears frequently in contexts such as news and media, science, and formal business settings. When using the phrase, it's important to provide supporting evidence and avoid exaggeration. Alternatives include "poor performance history" or "history of underachievement". While versatile, remember that its impact is most effective when used objectively and supported by specific examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor performance history

Replaces 'disappointing' with 'poor' and 'track record' with 'history', focusing on past performance.

unsuccessful history

Emphasizes the lack of success, replacing the specific term 'track record'.

history of underachievement

Highlights a pattern of failing to meet expectations.

subpar record

Uses 'subpar' to denote performance below the expected standard.

failed attempts

Focuses on the failure of previous attempts or efforts.

blemished record

Emphasizes imperfections and flaws in the record.

history of failures

Directly states a history marked by failures.

dismal performance

Emphasizes the poor quality of performance.

poor results

Highlights the unfavorable outcomes achieved.

unpromising background

Highlights the negative or unfavorable aspects of someone's previous experiences.

FAQs

How can I use "disappointing track record" in a sentence?

You can use "disappointing track record" to describe a history of failures or underperformance. For example: "The project suffered due to the company's "disappointing track record" with similar ventures."

What's the difference between "disappointing track record" and "poor performance"?

"Disappointing track record" refers to a history of underperformance, while "poor performance" can refer to a single instance or an ongoing situation. The former implies a pattern.

What can I say instead of "disappointing track record"?

Alternatives include "poor performance history", "unsuccessful history", or "history of underachievement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "disappointing track record" in formal writing?

Yes, "disappointing track record" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in business or academic contexts, as long as it is supported by evidence and used objectively. However, depending on the context, phrases as "history of underachievement" might be better in formal writing.