dismal time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dismal time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period that is characterized by sadness, gloom, or a lack of hope. Example: "The company went through a dismal time during the economic downturn, with many employees facing layoffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"It is currently a dismal time to be a saver.

The Guardian - Business

But we see a rather dismal time ahead, with hyper-efficiency, etc.

The New Yorker

And these seem to be falling: hedge funds as a group have had a dismal time this year.

The Economist

He left in 1966 to head the ballet of the Deutsche Oper in Berlin – where he had a dismal time.

The Guardian

"The i360 gives us more grounds for optimism, but Brighton has had a dismal time after city status," he says.

The Guardian

Boyd had refused to play for his country after the early stages of George Burley's dismal time as Scotland manager.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Those were dismal times.

The Guardian

Still, even this will be mildly morale-boosting for the industry after some dismal times.

The Economist

It is true, Mr. Raines, that government cannot "hire us out of these dismal times".

The New York Times

And that, in these dismal times, appears to be all that counts.

The Guardian - Opinion

They fought back and, in a rare uplifting moment in these dismal times, won.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dismal time", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the period to be dismal. Providing specific details strengthens the impact and clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "dismal time" as a vague descriptor. Always provide context about what makes the time period "dismal". Without context, it weakens your writing and leaves the reader wondering what you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dismal time" functions as a noun phrase where "dismal" is an adjective modifying the noun "time". It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, describing a period characterized by negative attributes. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dismal time" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a period marked by negativity, sadness, or failure. Analysis of various sources, including news outlets and business publications, reveals its prevalent use in portraying challenging or unfortunate circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

When using "dismal time", it's important to provide specific context to enhance clarity and impact. While alternatives like "bleak period" or "gloomy phase" exist, "dismal time" offers a distinct emphasis on the overall negativity and adversity experienced during that period. The phrase finds its niche across a spectrum of contexts, predominantly in news, media, and formal business writing where objective yet descriptive language is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bleak period

Focuses on the lack of hope or positive prospects during the time.

gloomy phase

Emphasizes the feeling of sadness and depression associated with the time.

difficult era

Highlights the challenges and hardships experienced during the time.

unhappy chapter

Suggests a specific and unfortunate part of a larger narrative.

tough spell

Implies a temporary period of hardship.

hard times

Focuses on economic or personal difficulties.

bad patch

Suggests a minor and likely temporary period of trouble.

adverse moment

Highlights a specific point in time marked by misfortune.

unfortunate period

Emphasizes the bad luck associated with the time.

depressing interval

Highlights the emotionally draining aspect of the time.

FAQs

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

You can use "dismal time" to describe a period marked by sadness, failure, or negativity. For example: "The company went through a "dismal time" during the recession."

What are some alternatives to "dismal time"?

Alternatives include "bleak period", "gloomy phase", or "difficult era". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "dismal time" in formal writing?

While "dismal time" is grammatically correct, consider the tone of your writing. In some formal contexts, a more neutral phrase like "challenging period" or "difficult phase" might be more suitable.

What makes "dismal time" different from "hard times"?

"Hard times" generally refers to economic or personal hardship, while "dismal time" can encompass a broader range of negative experiences, including emotional distress or failure. So, while similar, "dismal time" often suggests a deeper sense of gloom or despair than "hard times".