it was disastrous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was disastrous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that had very negative consequences or outcomes. Example: "The event was poorly planned, and as a result, it was disastrous for the organizers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The ad was widely appreciated for its minimalism and relatively creative approach; it was disastrous, however, in terms of its actual function.

Vice

The freehold had been neglected — it was disastrous".

The New York Times

As one analyst noted, it was "disastrous to profitability" for the industry.

The New York Times

"Of course, they achieved that, but it was disastrous," he said.

The New York Times

It was disastrous and he won it because of an own goal".

Independent

When the State Department immediately halted the annual US contribution, it was disastrous for Unesco.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

It's disastrous for his political project.

Independent

But it is disastrous for all readers.

The New York Times

In fact it is disastrous.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's disastrous for unity".

The New York Times

"It's disastrous for journalists.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was disastrous" to clearly and directly communicate that a situation or event had extremely negative outcomes. Ensure the context provides enough detail to understand the scope and impact of the disaster.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "it was disastrous" without explaining why it was so. Providing specific details about the negative impacts will make your statement more impactful and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was disastrous" functions as a predicate adjective, providing a descriptive assessment of a situation or event. It characterizes the subject as having extremely negative consequences. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was disastrous" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe events or situations with significantly negative outcomes. Ludwig's analysis of various sources reveals that this phrase is most frequently used in News & Media. While versatile, writers should provide specific details about the negative impacts to enhance clarity and impact. Consider contextually appropriate synonyms like "it proved catastrophic" or "it ended in failure" to suit the tone and formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it proved catastrophic

Emphasizes the scale and severity of the negative consequences; stronger emotional impact.

it ended in failure

Focuses specifically on the lack of success, highlighting the unsuccessful conclusion.

it turned out to be a debacle

Highlights the complete failure and often implies chaos and embarrassment.

it was a complete fiasco

Implies a ridiculous and embarrassing failure, often with elements of mismanagement.

it had ruinous consequences

Focuses on the severely damaging effects and lasting impact of the event.

it was a crushing defeat

Emphasizes the feeling of being thoroughly beaten or overcome; suitable for competitive contexts.

it went horribly wrong

Highlights the unexpected and negative deviation from the intended course or plan.

it was a total loss

Focuses on the complete absence of any positive outcome or salvageable result.

it resulted in devastation

Emphasizes widespread damage and destruction, both physically and emotionally.

it backfired spectacularly

Highlights the unexpected and dramatic reversal of the intended effect, often with negative consequences.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "it was disastrous"?

Alternatives include "it proved catastrophic", "it ended in failure", or "it was a complete fiasco". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

How can I make my writing more descriptive than saying "it was disastrous"?

Instead of just saying "it was disastrous", describe the specific negative consequences. For example, instead of "the project was disastrous", say "the project led to significant financial losses and damaged the company's reputation".

Is "it was disastrous" too informal for academic writing?

While "it was disastrous" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives in academic writing, such as "it had ruinous consequences" or "it resulted in devastation", to maintain a higher level of formality.

What's the difference between saying "it was disastrous" and "it was a disaster"?

"It was disastrous" is an adjective phrase describing the event. "It was a disaster" is a noun phrase, where "disaster" functions as a noun. Both are correct and convey a similar meaning, but "it was disastrous" may be slightly more emphatic.