meet with disaster

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meet with disaster" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone encounters significant failure or trouble as a result of their actions or decisions. Example: "If we don't take the necessary precautions, we may very well meet with disaster during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

If you do it just backfires and you meet with disaster.

The New York Times - Books

The family and the animals from the zoo embark on their journey to Canada but meet with disaster on the ocean.

The New York Times

Three astronauts go forth on a daring quest, meet with disaster, face death and barely limp back to the safety of home.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The first specialty trip, in 2004, almost met with disaster.

The New York Times - Travel

Reports that the expedition had met with disaster soon reached the settlements on the Gambia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

met with disaster, my publishing house would automatically publish it in France. . . .

The New Yorker

Henry and Fernando nevertheless attacked Tangier and met with disaster; Henry had shown poor generalship and mismanaged the enterprise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, it met with disaster when he courted the glitzy but unsound DeLorean Motors to build its experimental gull-winged car in West Belfast.

The Guardian

It nearly met with disaster owing to the local population's determined resistance against the notorious expedition in 1899 led by French Captains Paul Voulet and Charles-Paul-Louis Chanoine (also known as Julien Chanoine).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Carousel, which transferred from the National in 1994, did decently (it won plaudits for being the first mixed-race production to appear on Broadway), but Hytner's next big musical, inauspiciously entitled Sweet Smell of Success, met with disaster.

The Guardian

1995 Constantino Rocca, a former factory worker from Italy, meets with disaster and triumph on the 72d hole, fluffing his approach shot and then sinking a 65-foot birdie putt that brings him to tears of joy and earns him a spot in a playoff.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "meet with disaster", ensure the context clearly establishes who or what is encountering the disastrous outcome. For instance, specify the project, plan, or person that "met with disaster".

Common error

While "meet with disaster" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger alternatives like "suffer a setback" or "experience failure" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meet with disaster" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate to describe a subject's unfortunate experience or outcome. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "meet with disaster" is a phrase used to describe a situation resulting in significant failure or misfortune. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it's commonly found in news and media, its neutral tone makes it appropriate for general narratives. When writing, ensure the context clearly identifies what "met with disaster". Consider alternatives such as "suffer a catastrophe" or "encounter misfortune" depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis. The phrase is common, but not overused, making it a solid choice for conveying negative outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suffer a catastrophe

This alternative implies a sudden and widespread calamitous event, often with significant damage or loss.

befall a tragedy

Highlights the occurrence of a deeply sorrowful or devastating event.

encounter misfortune

This suggests facing an unfortunate event or a series of unlucky circumstances.

face calamity

This emphasizes the confrontation with a disastrous event or circumstance.

come to grief

Implies a disastrous end, often due to one's own actions or circumstances.

experience failure

This is a more general term, indicating a lack of success or a disappointing outcome.

fall into ruin

Suggests a gradual decline leading to a state of destruction or collapse.

endure a setback

This suggests a temporary hindrance or delay in progress due to an adverse event.

succumb to adversity

Indicates a yielding to negative forces or unfavorable conditions.

run into trouble

A less formal way of saying that someone is experiencing difficulties or problems.

FAQs

What does it mean to "meet with disaster"?

To "meet with disaster" means to encounter a significant failure, misfortune, or catastrophe. It implies that plans or actions have resulted in an extremely negative outcome.

What can I say instead of "meet with disaster"?

You can use alternatives like "suffer a catastrophe", "encounter misfortune", or "face calamity" depending on the context.

Is "meet with disaster" formal or informal?

"Meet with disaster" is generally considered neutral in tone. While widely understood, more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or business contexts. It is found primarily in "news and media".

How to use "meet with disaster" in a sentence?

You can use "meet with disaster" to describe an event or project. For example, "Their ill-fated plan was destined to meet with disaster".