dismal failure

USAGE SUMMARY

"dismal failure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an experience, event, or attempt that has completely failed. For example, "After months of hard work, the launch of the new product was a dismal failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a dismal failure.

The New York Times

BlackBerry's PlayBook was a dismal failure.

The New York Times - Tech

This effort has met with dismal failure.

The New York Times

The experiment was another dismal failure.

The Guardian

Sadly, it is a dismal failure.

The New York Times - Arts

It closed immediately — in Penn's words, "a dismal failure".

The New Yorker

The media seized on these matters and predicted dismal failure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He says the PCC has been "a dismal failure".

The Guardian

Could a third Mickelson lead end in dismal failure?

The Guardian - Sport

"Make work" schemes have been a dismal failure in Haiti.

The Economist

People have tried and it was a dismal failure.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dismal failure" when you want to emphasize the severity and negativity of a failure, indicating a complete lack of success and often implying disappointment or regret.

Common error

While "dismal failure" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal or professional writing, as it can sound overly dramatic. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "unsuccessful attempt" or "did not meet expectations" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dismal failure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object. It describes a situation or event characterized by a profound lack of success. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dismal failure" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase that expresses a profound lack of success accompanied by disappointment. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in formal settings where more neutral language might be preferable. As an alternative to "dismal failure", you could use "complete fiasco", "utter catastrophe", or "abject failure". In conclusion, while "dismal failure" is generally acceptable, judicious use and awareness of context are key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete fiasco

Emphasizes the chaotic and embarrassing nature of the failure.

utter catastrophe

Highlights the disastrous consequences and widespread negative impact.

resounding defeat

Focuses on the decisiveness and completeness of the failure.

abject failure

Stresses the miserable and hopeless nature of the failure.

crushing disappointment

Highlights the feeling of profound sadness and frustration resulting from the failure.

spectacular flop

Emphasizes the public and highly visible nature of the failure.

total washout

Suggests that the attempt was completely ruined or ineffective.

miserable outcome

Focuses on the unhappiness and disappointment associated with the result.

fruitless endeavor

Highlights the lack of any positive results or benefits from the effort.

failed attempt

A more neutral and straightforward way of describing the lack of success.

FAQs

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

You can use "dismal failure" to describe a wide range of unsuccessful endeavors, such as "The product launch was a "dismal failure"", or "The peace talks ended in "dismal failure"".

What are some alternatives to "dismal failure"?

Alternatives include "complete fiasco", "utter catastrophe", or "abject failure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "dismal failure" too strong for professional writing?

It can be. In some professional contexts, a more neutral phrase like "unsuccessful attempt" or "fell short of expectations" might be more appropriate. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What makes a failure "dismal"?

A "dismal" failure is one that is not only unsuccessful but also deeply disappointing and often accompanied by negative consequences. It implies a significant letdown and a lack of positive outcomes.