dismal outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dismal outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a result or consequence that is very poor or disappointing. Example: "The team's performance in the tournament led to a dismal outcome, leaving fans disheartened."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a dismal outcome for PSG whose efforts had dwindled before the break.

Independent

Florens and her brother resulted, and the moment of Vaark's mercy is recalled, but, in view of the dismal outcome, to sadly little point.

The New Yorker

The result is a thriller no less compelling for the fact that the British electorate is familiar with its dismal outcome.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Labour's ignominious retreat this week does nothing to boost confidence that this will not be the dismal outcome of its protracted inquiries into council tax.

The Economist

The dismal outcome arose mainly from a slowdown in Germany, the euro area's biggest economy, and actual output declines in France and Italy, the second and third largest respectively.

The Economist

This dismal outcome might or might not come about.

SEP

In this case series, we presented three cases with a dismal outcome after lobar 90Y glass microspheres RE treatment.

EJNMMI Research

Hibernian chairman Rod Petrie admits the team's Scottish Premiership performance this season has been "a dismal outcome".

BBC

Not only is it the most frequently encountered electrolyte disorder, but it is increasingly recognized as a harbinger of dismal outcome in various conditions.

Annals of Intensive Care

Eleventh in the table is a dismal outcome - well below what the club expects and well below the capabilities of the management team and the players.

BBC

UK fruit growers could enjoy a much improved harvest of apples and pears this year, after 2012's growing season saw a dismal outcome, experts believe.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dismal outcome", ensure that the context clearly warrants a strong negative descriptor. Avoid overuse in situations where the result is merely unsatisfactory rather than significantly adverse.

Common error

Avoid using "dismal outcome" when a more neutral term like "result" or "conclusion" would suffice. Overusing strong negative language can weaken your overall argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dismal outcome" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a result or consequence that is notably poor or disappointing. Ludwig's examples show it is used to summarize the unfortunate results of events or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dismal outcome" is a frequently used noun phrase to describe a very poor or disappointing result. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It appears most often in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants a strong negative descriptor and avoid overuse. Alternatives include "unfavorable result", "poor result", and "disappointing result", which can soften the negativity depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bleak result

Synonymous to the "dismal outcome". Suggests a depressing or discouraging outlook.

disappointing result

Highlights the feeling of disappointment associated with the outcome.

poor result

Similar to "unfavorable result" but slightly more direct in its assessment.

unfavorable result

Replaces "dismal" with a more neutral term, softening the negativity.

negative consequence

Focuses on the causal aspect of the outcome, implying a cause-and-effect relationship.

unfortunate conclusion

Emphasizes the element of bad luck or misfortune in the outcome.

unhappy ending

Suggests a narrative or concluding event with a negative resolution.

grim consequence

Increases the severity of the outcome, suggesting a bleak or harsh result.

tragic result

Focuses on the sorrowful and grievous nature of the outcome.

catastrophic ending

Dramatically increases the magnitude of the negative outcome, implying a disaster.

FAQs

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

You can use "dismal outcome" to describe a result that is very poor or disappointing. For example: "The team's performance led to a "dismal outcome", leaving fans disheartened."

What can I say instead of "dismal outcome"?

You can use alternatives like "unfavorable result", "poor result", or "disappointing result" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "dismal outcome" or "tragic outcome"?

"Dismal outcome" implies a very poor or disappointing result, while "tragic outcome" suggests a sorrowful and grievous result, often involving loss or suffering. Choose the phrase that best fits the severity of the situation.

What's the difference between "dismal outcome" and "negative consequence"?

"Dismal outcome" describes the result itself as being poor, while "negative consequence" focuses on the result as a consequence of something else. The latter implies a cause-and-effect relationship.