failing dismally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failing dismally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is experiencing significant failure or disappointment. Example: "Despite their best efforts, the project was failing dismally, leading to a reevaluation of their strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"A manageable crisis has become a moral test that Europe is in danger of failing dismally".

Independent

"I suppose so," he shrugged, trying his best to maintain interest but eventually failing dismally.

The Guardian - Sport

Speaking on Radio 4's Today programme, he said the coalition's plan was "failing dismally".

The Guardian

Cut to Arthur failing dismally to put his shoes on the right feet and still, for what it's worth, coming across as superior.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

9.07pm BST Rose can't make his birdie putt on 6, failing dismally to hit a very friendly putt that had little break.

The Guardian - Sport

They were also in the 1996 final in Johannesburg, two years after failing dismally on home soil in 1994, going out in the first round.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It failed dismally, with its president, Gerry Adams, failing to strike a chord with southern voters, and showing little understanding of economics, or familiarity with the detail of southern politics.

The Economist

He performed his act to the sound of snickers and "sympathy applause" from fellow magicians, failing so dismally that he was curtly dismissed by one of the judges.

The New York Times - Books

It's too bad, then, that these days you're not considered serious in Washington unless you profess allegiance to the same doctrine that's failing so dismally in Europe.

The New York Times

Most consumer-tech companies have, at one time or another, launched a product before it was ready, or thought that it was equipped to do something that it ended up failing at dismally.

The New Yorker

It failed dismally.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "failing dismally" to describe situations where the degree of failure is significant and noticeable. It's stronger than simply "failing" and implies a clear and often disappointing outcome.

Common error

While "failing dismally" is acceptable in news and general writing, avoid it in highly formal or academic contexts. Opt for more neutral or precise language like "experiencing significant setbacks" or "not meeting expectations" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failing dismally" functions as a verb phrase modified by an adverb, indicating the manner in which something is failing. It emphasizes the severity and degree of failure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "failing dismally" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a pronounced lack of success. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable term in written English, particularly in news, sport, and business contexts. While powerful in conveying disappointment, it should be used judiciously in formal academic writing, where more precise alternatives may be preferable. Its synonyms, such as "failing miserably" and "utterly failing", offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments, each with slight nuances in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failing miserably

Replaces "dismally" with a synonym conveying a similar degree of failure.

utterly failing

Adds emphasis to the failure using the adverb "utterly".

failing badly

Substitutes "dismally" with a more common, less emphatic adverb.

failing lamentably

Replaces "dismally" with a more formal and literary synonym.

completely unsuccessful

Uses an adjective phrase to describe the state of failure.

failing spectacularly

Emphasizes the scale and visibility of the failure.

not succeeding at all

Expresses a complete lack of success using a different grammatical structure.

falling flat on its face

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey a dramatic and embarrassing failure.

performing poorly

Emphasizes the substandard performance leading to failure.

missing the mark entirely

Uses a figurative expression to indicate a complete failure to achieve a goal.

FAQs

What does "failing dismally" mean?

The phrase "failing dismally" means to fail in a particularly bad or disappointing way. It suggests a significant lack of success and often implies a negative outcome.

How can I use "failing dismally" in a sentence?

You can use "failing dismally" to describe a project, a plan, or an attempt that has not succeeded. For example, "Despite their efforts, the new strategy was failing dismally."

What are some synonyms for "failing dismally"?

Alternatives to "failing dismally" include "failing miserably", "failing badly", or "failing spectacularly". The choice depends on the specific context and desired level of emphasis.

Is "failing dismally" appropriate for formal writing?

While acceptable, "failing dismally" might be too informal for highly formal or academic writing. Consider using phrases like "experiencing significant setbacks" or "not achieving the desired outcome" instead.