lousy task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lousy task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task that is unpleasant, difficult, or undesirable. Example: "I really don't want to do this lousy task of cleaning the garage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If so, news sites will be left with the lousy task of merely describing a comedy sketch.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Unfortunately, it is making a lousy job of the task.

The Economist

My friend took the publisher to task for the lousy copyediting; the authors deserve better, he figured, for the $1000 or so per article they paid for publication, and copyediting was supposed to be covered by the publication charge.

Science Magazine

With tens of thousands of scripts pouring into the industry every year, most of them lousy, it often felt like a Sisyphean task.

Los Angeles Times

Then in the past few years it became sudden; digital gear started racing ahead, accomplishing tasks it had always been lousy at and displaying skills it was not supposed to acquire any time soon".

The Guardian - Tech

The average hedge fund is a lousy bet, and predicting which will thrive and which will disappoint is a task that would tax even a Nobel prizewinner.

The Economist

A lot of "lousy" jobs are not affected by the technology revolution, either — nonroutine, manual tasks like collecting the garbage or peeling and chopping onions in a restaurant kitchen.

The New York Times

"It's lousy, lousy, lousy," Pucher said.

The New York Times

Lousy orphans.

The New Yorker

Lousy ending.

The New Yorker

"Lousy prom".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While "lousy" is generally understood, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "unpleasant" or "difficult".

Common error

Avoid using "lousy task" in formal or professional writing. Its informal tone might be perceived as unprofessional. Opt for terms like "challenging assignment" or "difficult undertaking" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lousy task" functions as an adjective-noun combination where the adjective "lousy" modifies the noun "task". It typically describes the quality of the task being performed. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's used to express a negative sentiment toward a particular task.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lousy task" is an informal phrase used to describe a task that is unpleasant or of poor quality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness but emphasizes its infrequency. It's most commonly found in News & Media contexts. While grammatically sound, it's best reserved for informal settings. When writing formally, consider alternatives like "unpleasant task" or "difficult task". Always consider your audience and the context of your writing to choose the most appropriate phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrible task

Replaces "lousy" with a stronger negative adjective.

awful task

Similar to "terrible task", indicating a very unpleasant task.

dreadful task

Suggests the task is causing fear or anxiety.

unpleasant task

More formal way to describe a task that is not enjoyable.

horrible task

Indicates the task is extremely bad or disagreeable.

crummy task

Informal and suggests the task is of poor quality or undesirable.

rotten task

Informal and implies the task is extremely unpleasant or unfair.

nasty task

Indicates the task is offensive or disagreeable.

grueling task

Focuses on the exhausting and demanding nature of the task.

tedious task

Emphasizes the boring and monotonous nature of the task.

FAQs

What does "lousy task" mean?

A "lousy task" refers to a task that is unpleasant, of poor quality, or generally undesirable. It expresses dissatisfaction with the task at hand.

What are some synonyms for "lousy task"?

Alternatives to "lousy task" include "terrible task", "awful task", "unpleasant task", or "difficult task" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "lousy task" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "lousy task" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's best to use more professional alternatives like "challenging assignment" or "difficult undertaking".

How can I use "lousy task" in a sentence?

You might say, "Cleaning the garage is a "lousy task", but it needs to be done", to express your dislike for the task.