is a complete disaster

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a complete disaster" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, event, or outcome that has gone very wrong or failed completely. Example: "The project was poorly planned and executed, and the final result is a complete disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"We don't like to turn down anybody completely," he said, "unless the application is a complete disaster".

The New York Times

It is a complete disaster".

The New York Times

This is a complete disaster.

The New Yorker

"Our economy is a complete disaster.

The New York Times

Milidee: This is a complete disaster.

The Guardian

"The preorder is a complete disaster," Mr. Lustig said.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

It was a complete disaster.

Independent

It's a complete disaster.

Independent

We Democrats are a complete disaster.

The New Yorker

"It was a complete disaster," he said.

Independent

The first half was a complete disaster.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is a complete disaster", ensure the context clearly supports the strong negative connotation. Avoid using it lightly or in situations where the outcome is merely inconvenient or mildly disappointing.

Common error

Avoid using "is a complete disaster" in overly casual situations or when describing minor inconveniences. Overusing strong language can diminish its impact when describing genuinely critical situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a complete disaster" functions as a subjective assessment, attributing a highly negative evaluation to a particular situation, event, or object. It's used to express strong disapproval or a perception of utter failure. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Academia

10%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a complete disaster" is a common expression used to convey strong negative judgment about a situation or outcome. Ludwig confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used, mainly in News & Media. While strong, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, but be mindful of overuse in overly casual settings. Consider alternatives like "is a total failure" or "is an utter catastrophe" to add nuance, if needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is an utter catastrophe

Replaces "complete disaster" with "utter catastrophe", emphasizing the scale of the disaster.

is a total failure

Substitutes "complete disaster" with "total failure", focusing on the lack of success.

is a resounding flop

Replaces "complete disaster" with "resounding flop", implying a prominent and unsuccessful outcome.

is an unmitigated failure

Uses "unmitigated failure" instead of "complete disaster", stressing that there were no redeeming qualities.

is a monumental blunder

Changes "complete disaster" to "monumental blunder", highlighting a significant and foolish mistake.

is a spectacular failure

Replaces "complete disaster" with "spectacular failure", emphasizing the highly visible and dramatic nature of the failure.

is a complete mess

Substitutes "disaster" with "mess", softening the severity while still indicating a state of disarray.

is a hopeless case

Replaces the concept of disaster with a state of being irredeemable or beyond help.

is beyond repair

Shifts the focus to the inability to fix or restore something after a disaster.

is a lost cause

Implies that any further effort is futile, similar to accepting a disaster.

FAQs

How can I use "is a complete disaster" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to describe situations that have gone terribly wrong or failed entirely. For example, "The project was poorly managed, and the result "is a complete disaster"."

What are some alternatives to saying "is a complete disaster"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "is a total failure", "is an utter catastrophe", or "is a complete mess".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is a complete disaster"?

Use this phrase when you want to emphasize the severity of a situation's failure. It's best suited for scenarios where the negative outcome is significant and far-reaching.

Is "is a complete disaster" too strong of a phrase for some situations?

Yes, it can be. For minor inconveniences or disappointments, consider using milder expressions like "is unfortunate", "is disappointing", or "is not ideal".