grim outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grim outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or result that is bleak, unpleasant, or has serious negative consequences. Example: "The investigation revealed a grim outcome, with many lives lost and families shattered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It's a grim outcome.

The New York Times

But many states face another grim outcome: years of low growth caused by uncompetitive exchange rates and sluggish productivity.

The Economist

But fractured limbs and injured necks is a pretty grim outcome for a TV series that is simply there to entertain us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Acute respiratory failure in patients with fungal infection remains associated with a grim outcome [50].

Annals of Intensive Care

At the end of the scenario, you see what the actual — usually grim — outcome was.

TechCrunch

The disease usually has a very grim outcome and her family was told there was no hope and to begin making funeral arrangements for their child.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

As a consequence, HIV-related DCM is usually managed with a supportive, anti-failing heart therapy registering very often a grim outcome.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Mark Regnerus, a sociologist, told of grim outcomes after studying hundreds of adults with gay parents.

The Economist

While lupus can range from very mild to life threatening, Ms. Schlesinger found descriptions that emphasized the grim outcomes.

The New York Times

"As H.I.V. Babies Come of Age, Problems Linger" (front page, Nov. 6) presents only the grim outcomes of H.I.V.-infected newborns.

The New York Times

Not that the Gropes, a Northumberland matriarchy that can trace its origins back to an encounter between a seasick Viking deserter and an unattractive nun rejected by marauding rapers and pillagers, are much bothered by such grim outcomes.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grim outcome", ensure the context clearly establishes the factors leading to this negative result. Provide specific details or evidence to support the grim assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "grim outcome" to describe mildly negative situations. This phrase carries a strong connotation of severity and should be reserved for truly serious or dire results. Opt for milder alternatives like "unfavorable result" or "disappointing outcome" in less critical contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grim outcome" functions as a noun phrase, where "grim" is an adjective modifying the noun "outcome". It describes a result or consequence that is undesirable or negative, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grim outcome" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a negative or undesirable result, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its use spans across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science, highlighting its versatility. While "grim outcome" is considered correct for usage, it's best reserved for situations that genuinely warrant a sense of severe negativity. When a less intense expression is desired, one can select from the many alternatives, such as "dismal result" or "bleak prospect".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dire consequence

Replaces "outcome" with "consequence", implying a cause-and-effect relationship with a severe result.

bleak prospect

Substitutes "grim" with "bleak" and "outcome" with "prospect", focusing on a pessimistic future outlook.

dismal result

Replaces "grim" with "dismal", highlighting the disappointing and depressing nature of the result.

unfavorable conclusion

Uses more formal vocabulary, with "unfavorable" replacing "grim" and "conclusion" substituting "outcome".

negative consequence

A more general term replacing "grim" with "negative", suitable for various contexts.

tragic ending

Emphasizes the severity and sadness of the "outcome", suggesting a fatal or deeply sorrowful conclusion.

catastrophic result

Highlights the disastrous nature of the outcome.

adverse effect

Implies an effect, which is in contrast to what was desired. Often used in medical or scientific contexts.

bad news

An informal alternative that expresses a negative revelation.

poor prognosis

Primarily used in medical contexts to describe a negative outlook for recovery.

FAQs

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

You can use "grim outcome" to describe a situation with a negative result, such as "The doctor warned of a "grim outcome" if the patient didn't follow the treatment plan".

What can I say instead of "grim outcome"?

You can use alternatives like "dire consequence", "bleak prospect", or "dismal result" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "grim outcome" or "grim result"?

Both ""grim outcome"" and "grim result" are correct, but ""grim outcome"" implies a process or series of events leading to a negative conclusion, while "grim result" simply indicates a negative end.

What's the difference between "grim outcome" and "tragic outcome"?

"Grim outcome" suggests a bleak or unfavorable result, while "tragic outcome" implies a deeply sorrowful or fatal conclusion. "Tragic outcome" carries a stronger emotional weight.