hideous situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hideous situation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that is extremely unpleasant, shocking, or morally repugnant. Example: "The aftermath of the disaster left the community in a hideous situation, with many families displaced and in need of urgent assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Williams added: "It's a hideous situation and unfortunately an entirely predictable one.

The Guardian - Books

This writer derails the narrative while cheerfully and peculiarly extracting the best from a hideous situation and an unsettling ending.

The New York Times - Books

The responsibility is not ours to act on much more doubtful legal ground around international humanitarian law and to get us drawn into potentially hideous situation with consequences we cannot foresee.

The Guardian

Loss before tax £4m Net debt Not stated; total loans £24.6m Interest payable £1m Accounts for the year to 31 May 2013 State they're in Hideous situation for the stalwart club, bought in 2009 by a Hong Kong listed company fronted by major shareholder Carson Yeung, who earlier this year was convicted and jailed for money-laundering, including on behalf of a suspected triad gangster.

The Guardian - Sport

And while we're at it, Mr. President-elect, the appointment of your campaign CEO Steve Bannon as counselor and chief White House strategist makes a hideous situation even worse.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

As it is, they are trapped in these hideous situations where they feel they have no choice or hope.

The Guardian - Music

In 1987 she began teaching at the University of Pennsylvania Law School and then went on to Harvard in 1995, all the time writing and counseling on the hideous bankruptcy situation then and now in the country.

Huffington Post

David was whistling, soundlessly, masochistically, as his mind caressed, with an almost psychotic calm, the hideous realities of the situation: They would have to walk six miles to Bagnasco, find the darkened garage, find the home of the garage owner (he in Sunday repose), communicate the problem, and what would be most difficult of all, and no doubt an entirely separate operation, change money.

Vice

In the middle of nowhere their bus breaks down and, although none of them mention it, the situation seems like a hideous cosmic joke.

The New York Times

Humans across the globe agree flatulence is amusing, think puppies are wittle woolly cutie pies, and would choose hideous injury over finding themselves in a social situation decked in the same garb as someone else.

The Guardian

When things go wrong, they look at each other, study the situation carefully and then slowly, calmly do something really hideous about it.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hideous situation", ensure that the context clearly conveys the extreme negativity or repulsiveness of the circumstances. Use it to emphasize the severity and unpleasantness of the scenario you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "hideous situation" in contexts that are merely undesirable but not truly shocking or repulsive. Opt for milder terms like "unfavorable situation" or "difficult circumstance" if the intensity does not warrant such a strong expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hideous situation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "hideous" modifies the noun "situation". It describes a state of affairs characterized by extreme unpleasantness or repulsiveness. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hideous situation" is a grammatically correct and readily understandable way to describe extremely unpleasant or morally repugnant circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage, although the frequency of examples suggests it is not an everyday expression. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to emphasize the severity and negative impact of a situation. Alternatives like "dreadful circumstance" or "terrible predicament" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When employing this phrase, ensure the context justifies its strong negative connotation and consider avoiding it in overly formal settings. Always remember that a "hideous situation" calls for significant attention and concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dreadful circumstance

Emphasizes the severity and unpleasantness of the situation.

terrible predicament

Highlights the difficult and troublesome nature of the situation.

awful state of affairs

Focuses on the undesirable and problematic condition of the situation.

ghastly state

Underscores the repulsiveness and horribleness of the situation.

horrific condition

Emphasizes the terrifying and shocking aspects of the situation.

deplorable circumstances

Focuses on the regrettable and lamentable aspects of the situation.

dire straits

Highlights the extreme danger and urgency of the situation.

unfavorable situation

A more formal way to describe a situation that is not positive.

unpleasant scenario

Highlights the disagreeable and offensive nature of the situation.

grave crisis

Implies a severe and critical situation that requires immediate attention.

FAQs

How can I use "hideous situation" in a sentence?

You can use "hideous situation" to describe circumstances that are extremely unpleasant or morally repugnant. For example: "The war created a "hideous situation" for civilians, with widespread suffering and displacement."

What phrases can I use instead of "hideous situation"?

Alternatives include phrases like "terrible predicament", "awful state of affairs", or "dreadful circumstance", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "hideous situation" a formal or informal expression?

"Hideous situation" leans towards the stronger side in terms of negative connotation, so it's more appropriate in neutral to slightly informal contexts where you want to emphasize the severity of the problem. In very formal writing, consider alternatives with less emotional impact, such as "unfavorable situation".

What makes a situation qualify as a "hideous situation"?

A situation qualifies as a "hideous situation" when it involves extreme unpleasantness, moral repugnance, or shocking circumstances that cause significant distress or suffering. It suggests a scenario that is not only bad but also deeply offensive or disturbing.