dismal experience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dismal experience" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a negative or unpleasant experience. Example: "Last year's camping trip was a dismal experience due to the constant rain and mosquito infestation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

On the heels of that dismal experience, Mr. Obama had little to sell.

The New York Times

Given that dismal experience, do today's rising oil prices mean that we're doomed?

The New Yorker

Mr. Levy clearly will have to improve on last summer's dismal experience.

The New York Times

As you know, if you endure the increasingly dismal experience of flying, some airports are markedly better then others.

The New York Times

The next year, the family decides to not apply for financial aid based on the dismal experience the previous year.

The New York Times

I still wince at the memory of Spalding on a windswept winter's evening as dusk fell, a most dismal experience.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Loach has said his characters' dismal experiences with the social security system are emblematic of a wider austerity-led policy of "conscious cruelty" towards the poor.

The Guardian

There were several contenders for most dismal experiences of the year, among them Sam Mendes's mechanical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and much of the Edinburgh international festival.

The Guardian

Dismal experiences with some fly ‐ by ‐ night correspondence schools, which have always been the bane of the legitimate ones, has made higher education re luctant to get into this area.

The New York Times

When you invite a professional to become your networking partner, your previously dismal experiences can become anticipated opportunities to make new connections in your industry and practice a new skill.

Forbes

In January 2009, President Obama pledged: "We will put Americans to work in new jobs that pay well and can't be outsourced---jobs building solar panels and wind turbines". Then, undeterred by dismal experiences here and abroad, he renewed a commitment to "double down" on this agenda in his 2012 State of the Union speech.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a past event, use "dismal experience" to clearly communicate dissatisfaction or negativity about it. For added impact, follow it with specific details explaining why the experience was so poor.

Common error

Avoid pairing "dismal experience" with excessive hyperbole. While it conveys negativity, overdoing it can make your writing sound insincere or melodramatic. Let the details of the experience speak for themselves.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dismal experience" functions as a noun phrase, with "dismal" acting as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "experience". It serves to characterize the experience as negative or unpleasant. Ludwig shows various examples where this phrase is used to convey dissatisfaction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dismal experience" effectively conveys a negative or unpleasant encounter. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It functions as a noun phrase where "dismal" modifies "experience", and its purpose is to express disappointment or dissatisfaction. The phrase maintains a neutral register, appearing across news, media, and scientific sources. While alternatives like "terrible ordeal" or "awful time" exist, "dismal experience" provides a clear and direct way to express negativity. It's important to use it judiciously and avoid excessive hyperbole to maintain sincerity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrible ordeal

Focuses on the difficulty and unpleasantness of the experience.

awful time

Emphasizes the unpleasant and disagreeable nature of the experience.

sour memory

Highlights the lasting negative impact and regret associated with the experience.

unfortunate incident

Highlights the negative and regrettable nature of the event.

difficult moment

Focuses on the challenging and problematic aspects of a specific point in time.

unpleasant episode

Highlights a specific occurrence that was disagreeable.

negative encounter

Draws attention to the adverse interaction or event.

grim affair

Emphasizes the somber and depressing aspect of the experience.

depressing event

Highlights the disheartening and saddening nature of the experience.

bad situation

Focuses on the unfavorable circumstances surrounding the experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "dismal experience" to describe an event or situation that was particularly unpleasant or negative. For example: "The customer service was a "dismal experience", with long wait times and unhelpful staff."

What are some alternatives to saying "dismal experience"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "terrible ordeal", "awful time", or "unfortunate incident".

Is it appropriate to use "dismal experience" in formal writing?

Yes, "dismal experience" can be used in formal writing, but consider your audience and the overall tone. If you want to sound less emotional, consider a more neutral alternative like "negative encounter".

What makes an experience "dismal"?

A "dismal" experience is characterized by being gloomy, depressing, or of very poor quality. It often involves disappointment, frustration, or a general sense of negativity.