gross travesty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gross travesty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that is a severe distortion of justice or truth, often implying that it is shocking or unacceptable. Example: "The decision to acquit the defendant was a gross travesty of justice that left the victims feeling betrayed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The N.A.A.C.P. has called his execution a "gross travesty of justice" and wants a national moratorium on executions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Most memorable doesn't imply best, or even O.K., as witness the gross-out-pornographic travesties on Disney that made a curse of recollection.

The New Yorker

You must feel, every day, the pain and contempt that is the gross domestic and international product of this travesty of government — let alone democratic government.

Huffington Post

It was a travesty.

The New York Times

Solipsism reigns unfettered in North Korea, alongside gross poverty, fear of imprisonment and a growing dissident movement that's managed to smuggle out what little we know about the travesties prosecuted in this loneliest of states.

The New York Times - Books

It is a travesty.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a travesty".

The New York Times

That is a travesty.

The New York Times

A travesty of justice.

The Guardian

Was it a travesty?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

What a travesty!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "gross travesty", be prepared to provide specific details that illustrate the extent of the injustice or misrepresentation. Vague accusations weaken the phrase's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "gross travesty" to describe minor inconveniences or disagreements. The phrase is powerful and should be reserved for situations of significant injustice or distortion, lest it loses its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gross travesty" functions as a noun phrase, where 'gross' modifies 'travesty', intensifying the negative connotation. As seen in Ludwig, it describes situations considered severely unjust or distorted.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gross travesty" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that expresses strong disapproval of a situation characterized by severe injustice or misrepresentation. Ludwig AI confirms its usage primarily in news and media contexts to describe events deemed unacceptable and outrageous. While not a common expression, its impact is significant when used appropriately. Alternatives include "flagrant injustice" and "outrageous mockery".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flagrant injustice

Replaces "travesty" with a more direct term for injustice and "gross" with "flagrant" to emphasize the obviousness of the injustice.

outrageous mockery

Shifts the focus to the ridicule and disrespect implied in the situation, using stronger terms than the original.

shocking perversion of justice

Emphasizes the distortion of justice and adds a sense of shock, making it more emotionally charged.

blatant miscarriage of justice

Highlights the failure of the justice system and uses "blatant" to underscore the obviousness of the error.

severe distortion of truth

Focuses on the misrepresentation of facts rather than the failure of justice, making it suitable for situations where truth is the primary concern.

appalling distortion

This phrase is less specific to justice or truth, instead emphasizing the shock and disgust associated with the distortion.

egregious misrepresentation

Highlights the misleading nature of the situation and uses "egregious" to emphasize its severity.

complete sham

Downplays the legal or factual aspects and focuses on the deceptive and insincere nature of the situation.

unmitigated disgrace

Shifts the focus to the shame and dishonor associated with the situation, rather than the injustice or misrepresentation.

terrible sham

Emphasizes the deceptive nature of the situation using "terrible" to denote severity.

FAQs

What does "gross travesty" mean?

A "gross travesty" refers to a shocking or extreme distortion of justice, fairness, or truth. It implies a situation so flawed that it becomes a mockery of what it should be.

How can I use "gross travesty" in a sentence?

You can use "gross travesty" to describe events or decisions that represent a severe miscarriage of justice. For example: "The acquittal of the defendant was a "gross travesty" that angered the community."

What are some synonyms for "gross travesty"?

Alternatives to "gross travesty" include "flagrant injustice", "outrageous mockery", or "shocking perversion of justice". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "gross travesty" a formal or informal expression?

"Gross travesty" leans toward a more formal or serious tone, suitable for news reporting, academic writing, or legal contexts. While understandable in informal settings, it may sound overly dramatic in casual conversation.