dismal reality

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "dismal reality" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to unpleasant and difficult circumstances or realities. For example: "Living in poverty is a dismal reality for far too many people around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

How long can the favourable impression created by Mr Lewis outlast a dismal reality?

Independent

This is precisely what the letter warns against, and it is a dismal reality of our public conversation that it has been received in that way.

The Guardian - Opinion

This dismal reality only confirms the worst fears of the project's critics -- and is a far cry from the high hopes of those who backed it.

The New York Times

JOHN BURKE, New York, posted on nytimes.com This election season is like a parody of a mayoral election, a dismal reality series on an obscure cable station that is quickly canceled and forgotten.

The New York Times - Magazine

That dismal reality helps explain the rise of several new carriers that essentially rent service from several big national companies, such as AT&T and Sprint, and resell it in different ways to retail customers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet Alaska is one of four states that does not have laws giving prisoners access to DNA evidence that could establish their innocence — a dismal reality underscoring the need for Supreme Court intervention.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

But since her year in the limelight ended, she has had to confront the dismal realities of her profession.

The New York Times

This has been "achieved" by two dismal realities: (a) the chapter(s) regarding evolution in the official biology textbooks had always ranked last with the profoundly ironic result of teachers not getting around to teaching those chapters in most classes due to lack of time; (b) the chapter/s of evolution was/were not included in the curriculum of either, high school or university entrance exams.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

around Wall Street to dismal bids, reality hit home.

The New York Times

Professor Sum and his colleagues got closer than official statistics usually get to the dismal employment reality of black men by using the so-called employment-population ratio, which represents the percentage of a given population that is employed at a given time.

The New York Times

These dismal economic realities are interwoven with corruption and a system where the profits from drug trafficking are apparently used to finance political parties.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives like "grim reality" or "harsh reality" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "dismal reality" excessively in sensationalized or overly dramatic contexts. Overusing such strong language can diminish its impact and credibility. Reserve it for situations where the severity truly warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dismal reality" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dismal" modifies the noun "reality". It serves to describe a particular state or situation that is perceived as negative or unfavorable. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dismal reality" is a common phrase used to describe a negative or unfortunate situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase serves to objectively highlight undesirable aspects, making it suitable for neutral and formal contexts. While "dismal reality" is effective, consider related phrases like "dire reality" or "grim reality" to adjust the emphasis as required. Be mindful of overuse, particularly in sensationalized contexts, to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dire reality

Replaces "dismal" with "dire", suggesting a more urgent or catastrophic situation.

depressing reality

Substitutes "dismal" with "depressing", highlighting the emotional impact of the situation.

miserable reality

Uses "miserable" instead of "dismal", emphasizing the unhappiness associated with the reality.

dark reality

Replaces "dismal" with "dark", focusing on the bleak and foreboding aspects.

bleak reality

Uses "bleak" instead of "dismal", suggesting a lack of hope or positive prospects.

grim reality

Substitutes "dismal" with "grim", emphasizing the harsh or uninviting nature of the situation.

sad reality

Replaces "dismal" with "sad", highlighting the sorrowful aspects of the reality.

unfortunate reality

Uses "unfortunate" instead of "dismal", downplaying the severity while still acknowledging the negative aspect.

disappointing reality

Substitutes "dismal" with "disappointing", focusing on unmet expectations.

lamentable reality

Replaces "dismal" with "lamentable", indicating regret or sorrow over the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "dismal reality" to describe an unpleasant or unfortunate situation. For example, "The "dismal reality" of the economic crisis is that many people are losing their jobs."

What phrases are similar to "dismal reality"?

Similar phrases include "dire reality", "grim reality", or "bleak reality". These alternatives emphasize the negative or unfortunate nature of a situation.

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

Yes, "dismal reality" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing serious or unfortunate situations. However, ensure that the context supports the negative assessment.

What's the difference between "dismal reality" and ""harsh reality""?

"Dismal reality" generally refers to a situation that is depressing or unfortunate, while ""harsh reality"" emphasizes the severe and often unpleasant nature of a situation. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.