dismal consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dismal consequences" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe negative outcomes or results that are bleak, depressing, or unfortunate. Example: The government's decision to cut funding for education will have dismal consequences for the future of our youth.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Nor would women bishops.But the vote has dismal consequences for the established church.

The Economist

A case can be made Mr Obama has come close to making it explicitly that a humane policy would involve swift deportations of Central American children, to convince families to stop sending them.The dismal consequences of disorder on the borderA final pillar of immigration politics involves the idea that Hispanics—a fast-growing block are reliably in favour of a more welcoming policy.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Bone metastases are a common and dismal consequence of lung cancer that is a leading cause of death.

BMC Cancer

It is the dismal, tragic consequences of the Bush administration's self-serving mixture of rashness and indecisiveness that have made it necessary for John Kerry and others to remind us that quasi-adolescent impulsiveness is not the same as courage and that, as President Bill Clinton recently noted, strength and wisdom are not opposing, incompatible qualities.

The New York Times

In any case, the consequences are dismal at best.

The New York Times

Since illegal immigration to China has severe legal consequences and dismal outcomes,h potentially illegal immigrants must have greater confidence under those external constraints.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

But "the long term consequences were dismal".

Wikipedia

Japan has yet to put its economic house in order, despite repeated American warnings of the global repercussions of delay.But is this dismal litany truly the consequence of presidential distraction?

The Economist

Result: dismal failure.

Forbes

Some view these dismal incidents as the predictable consequence of the government's refugee dispersal policy, especially when it runs alongside restrictive rules that prevent refugees from working until they have been in Britain for six months.

The Economist

The eventual outcome is dismal.  .

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity and impact, quantify the "dismal consequences" whenever possible. Specific details make the statement more compelling and less prone to misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "dismal consequences" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound unnatural or overly dramatic in everyday contexts. Consider using simpler alternatives like "bad results" or "unfortunate outcomes" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dismal consequences" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the results or effects of a particular action, event, or situation, emphasizing their negative and discouraging nature. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dismal consequences" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe significantly negative outcomes, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Although relatively rare in overall usage, it finds a home in news, scientific, and more formal business contexts. The phrase serves to highlight the severity and discouraging nature of results, cautioning against or criticizing actions that lead to such outcomes. Consider alternatives like "dire ramifications" or "grim repercussions" to add variety to your writing, and remember that while the phrase is correct, it's best reserved for situations where its formal and serious tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dire ramifications

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential far-reaching impact of the consequences.

grim repercussions

Highlights the unpleasant and severe nature of the consequences.

bleak outcomes

Focuses on the lack of hope or positive prospects associated with the results.

unfortunate sequelae

A more formal and technical term, often used in medical or scientific contexts, to describe the consequences.

adverse effects

Emphasizes the negative impact or harmful results of something.

negative fallout

Highlights the secondary or indirect consequences, often with a sense of widespread impact.

tragic aftermath

Emphasizes the devastating and sorrowful nature of the consequences.

catastrophic results

Highlights the disastrous and ruinous nature of the consequences.

unfavorable developments

A more neutral and understated way to describe negative consequences.

wretched outcomes

Emphasizes the extremely unpleasant and unsatisfactory nature of the consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "dismal consequences" to describe negative results or outcomes. For example, "The lack of investment in renewable energy will have "dismal consequences" for the environment."

What are some alternatives to "dismal consequences"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "dire ramifications", "grim repercussions", or "bleak outcomes".

Is "dismal consequences" a formal expression?

Yes, "dismal consequences" is considered a formal expression and is suitable for academic, professional, or news-related contexts.

What makes "dismal consequences" different from "bad consequences"?

"Dismal consequences" implies a sense of hopelessness and gloominess that "bad consequences" might not convey. It suggests that the outcomes are not just negative, but also depressing and discouraging.