dismal condition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dismal condition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or state that is very bad, gloomy, or depressing. Example: "The dismal condition of the roads after the storm made travel nearly impossible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"Nassau County finances are in a dismal condition".

The New York Times

But does "Bamboozled" accurately reflect the dismal condition of racial inequity in television?

The New York Times

Mayor Bill de Blasio has quarreled with Mr. Cuomo over who should be held responsible for the subway's dismal condition.

The New York Times

The 177 paintings they recovered were in dismal condition, damaged by dirt and moisture and in some cases ripped.

The New York Times - Arts

(Philip Draycott) Athens, Greece: "While Greeks adore children, public facilities for kids are rare and usually in a dismal condition.

The Guardian

But Mr. Tohamy was alarmed by Egypt's dismal condition, and concerned about the country he was leaving to his daughter.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Given the dismal conditions in Puerto Rico and the response hiccups so far, that would be very good news.

The Washington Post

At one point, Coulibaly used a smuggled camera to shoot video of the prison's dismal conditions.

The New Yorker

Some are held for weeks under dismal conditions until officials can send them back to their hometowns.

The New York Times

Around Omaha, about 41,000 homes were without power on Thursday morning, and repair crews were slowed by the dismal conditions.

The New York Times

He also examines the dismal conditions of migrants in transit and the institutional framework in which they move or are physically confined.

University of Pennsylvania

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as having a "dismal condition", provide specific details to illustrate the extent of the problem. For example, instead of saying "The economy is in a dismal condition", specify "The economy is in a dismal condition, with unemployment rates soaring and business investments declining."

Common error

Avoid using "dismal condition" too frequently in dramatic or overly emotional contexts, as it can diminish the impact. Opt for more nuanced language that conveys the specific emotions or circumstances, such as "desperate situation" or "bleak circumstances."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dismal condition" functions as a noun phrase, where "dismal" modifies the noun "condition". It describes a state or situation characterized by negativity and poor quality. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dismal condition" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a very bad or depressing state. According to Ludwig, it appears most frequently in news and media, academic and encyclopedia contexts. While it's appropriate for formal and neutral registers, overuse in overly dramatic contexts should be avoided. Consider using alternatives such as "bleak situation" or "grim state" for variety and nuance. Using "dismal condition" effectively involves providing specific details to illustrate the extent of the problem.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bleak situation

Replaces "condition" with "situation", focusing on the circumstances rather than the state.

grim state

Substitutes "dismal" with "grim" and "condition" with "state", offering a slightly harsher tone.

dire straits

Uses a more figurative expression to indicate severe difficulty or distress.

precarious situation

Focuses on the instability and risk associated with the situation.

unfavorable circumstances

Emphasizes the negative aspects of the surrounding conditions.

adverse state of affairs

A more formal way of describing a bad situation.

depressing reality

Highlights the disheartening nature of the actual circumstances.

poor outlook

Shifts the focus to the lack of positive prospects for the future.

challenging position

Highlights the difficulty and demanding nature of the situation at hand.

troubled times

Emphasizes the general period of difficulty and adversity.

FAQs

How can I use "dismal condition" in a sentence?

You can use "dismal condition" to describe the state of something that is very bad or depressing. For example: "The "dismal condition" of the old house made it uninhabitable."

What are some alternatives to "dismal condition"?

Alternatives include "bleak situation", "grim state", or "dire straits", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a dismal condition" or should I use another article?

"A dismal condition" is grammatically correct. The indefinite article "a" is appropriate because you are referring to one instance of a state or situation that is dismal.

What's the difference between "dismal condition" and "unfortunate circumstance"?

"Dismal condition" typically refers to a state or situation that is very bad or depressing, whereas "unfortunate circumstance" refers to a specific event or set of events that are undesirable. The former describes a general state, while the latter describes specific occurrences.