looming disaster

USAGE SUMMARY

"looming disaster" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate an impending, unavoidable crisis. For example, "With the current political instability, a looming disaster seems inevitable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We are faced with a looming disaster".

Independent

Roger seems to have little awareness of the looming disaster.

The New Yorker

In the corridors the talk is of looming disaster.

The Economist

Economic, environmental and demographic trends all suggest looming disaster.

The Economist

This is not a sob story about looming disaster.

The Economist

The songs' sense of looming disaster won't stop the beat.

The New York Times

Gotta keep coming out, every day, in the face of looming disaster.

The New York Times

And who knows when fear of a looming disaster might drum up some more interest?

The New York Times

Uniquely among EU leaders, Tusk blamed both sides for the looming disaster.

The Guardian

The high incidence of AIDS is a looming disaster that has never been seriously tackled by any administration.

The Economist

Mr Abramowitz has spent much of this year shouting about looming disaster in Kosovo; disaster has arrived anyway.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looming disaster" to emphasize the inevitability and proximity of a negative event. It's particularly effective when discussing large-scale issues such as economic downturns, environmental crises, or public health emergencies.

Common error

Avoid using "looming disaster" for minor inconveniences or personal setbacks. Its dramatic tone is best reserved for situations with significant and widespread consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looming disaster" functions as a noun phrase, where "looming" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "disaster". It describes a noun, in this case, a disaster that is perceived as imminent or threatening. According to Ludwig AI, this is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looming disaster" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe an imminent and significant negative event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its prominence in the news and media, where it serves to highlight pressing concerns. While generally appropriate for formal contexts, its dramatic tone should be considered. Alternatives like "impending catastrophe" or "approaching crisis" offer nuanced variations. When writing, reserve "looming disaster" for genuinely serious situations to avoid trivializing its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impending catastrophe

Replaces "disaster" with "catastrophe", indicating a more severe and widespread negative outcome.

approaching crisis

Uses "crisis" instead of "disaster", suggesting a critical turning point rather than complete devastation.

gathering storm

Employs a metaphorical expression, evoking a sense of building tension and inevitable trouble.

brewing calamity

Substitutes "disaster" with "calamity" and "looming" with "brewing", implying a slow and gradual development of the negative situation.

oncoming tragedy

Uses "tragedy" to specify the type of disaster as something deeply sorrowful and affecting.

impending doom

Replaces "disaster" with "doom", conveying a sense of inescapable and utter destruction.

threatened misfortune

Uses "misfortune" to soften the impact of the disaster, suggesting a less severe outcome.

gathering momentum for a crisis

This alternative focuses on the increasing intensity of a crisis, highlighting the build-up towards a critical point.

seeds of destruction

This metaphorical phrase shifts the focus to the origins of the disaster, emphasizing the underlying causes.

an accident waiting to happen

This idiom suggests a situation where a negative outcome is highly probable due to existing conditions.

FAQs

How do I use "looming disaster" in a sentence?

Use "looming disaster" to describe a significant negative event that is expected to happen soon. For example, "The scientist warned about a "looming disaster" if climate change is not addressed."

What are some synonyms for "looming disaster"?

Alternatives to "looming disaster" include "impending catastrophe", "approaching crisis", or "gathering storm", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it appropriate to use "looming disaster" in formal writing?

Yes, "looming disaster" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports or academic papers discussing significant threats or crises. However, consider the tone and impact it may have on the reader.

What's the difference between "looming disaster" and "potential problem"?

"Looming disaster" indicates a high probability and significant negative impact, while "potential problem" suggests uncertainty and a less severe outcome. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the gravity and likelihood of the situation.