negative outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "negative outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an undesirable or unfavorable result of a situation or action. Example: "The experiment did not go as planned, leading to a negative outcome that affected our research findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Obvious but thinking negatively normally leads to a negative outcome.

WikiHow

No matter the approach taken, others added, gentrification is the inevitable, negative outcome.

The Guardian

But this potentially disastrous development was reported blandly without even recognising it as a negative outcome.

The Guardian - Opinion

All readings of human history have to allow for the possibility of a negative outcome.

The Guardian - Books

Management at both Triggertrap and Kickstarter recognised a negative outcome for their employees, and abandoned unlimited paid leave accordingly.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin said last night that "parking" the process would be a "very negative outcome".

The Guardian

In one respect, this is likely to have a negative outcome.

Independent

Then we monitor them, changing our approach if there's a negative outcome.

The New York Times

In cases where the uncertainty includes a possible negative outcome, women are not pleased by ambiguity.

The New York Times

"But if a person is exposed to an E.A.S., as long as they move through at a normal pace, the likelihood of a negative outcome is very limited".

The New York Times - Health

We focus on the negative outcome, but the military employs a lot of people who perhaps no other employer would touch.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential risks, use "negative outcome" to clearly articulate the undesirable results you are trying to avoid. For example, "Proper safety protocols are essential to minimize the risk of a "negative outcome" in the experiment."

Common error

While "negative outcome" is appropriate for formal and professional settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "bad result" or "unfortunate event" in casual conversations to avoid sounding overly formal or technical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negative outcome" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies an undesirable or unfavorable consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

24%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "negative outcome" is a versatile term used to describe undesirable results across a wide range of contexts. Ludwig AI validates that it is grammatically sound and frequently encountered. While it's most common in news, media, and scientific publications, it also appears in formal business settings. When choosing an alternative, consider nuances of meaning among choices like "adverse result" or "unfavorable consequence". While widely accepted, remember that in casual conversations, simpler terms may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adverse result

Replaces "outcome" with "result" while maintaining the negative connotation.

unfavorable consequence

Substitutes "outcome" with "consequence" and "negative" with "unfavorable", conveying a similar meaning.

detrimental effect

Focuses on the impact, replacing "outcome" with "effect" and "negative" with "detrimental".

undesirable development

Emphasizes the process leading to the negative result, using "development" instead of "outcome".

poor outcome

Simplifies the phrasing using "poor" as a synonym for "negative".

harmful consequence

Uses "harmful" instead of "negative" to emphasize the damaging nature of the outcome.

disadvantageous result

Highlights the unfavorable position created by the outcome, using "disadvantageous".

unfortunate result

Emphasizes the element of bad luck or chance associated with the outcome.

failed result

Focuses on the lack of success as a negative aspect of outcome.

setback

A more concise term indicating a reversal or impediment caused by a negative outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "negative outcome" in a sentence?

You can use "negative outcome" to describe an undesirable result or consequence of an action or situation. For example, "The lack of preparation led to a "negative outcome" in the project."

What are some alternatives to "negative outcome"?

You can use alternatives like "adverse result", "unfavorable consequence", or "detrimental effect" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "negative outcome" and "negative result"?

While both phrases are similar, "negative outcome" often implies a broader consequence, whereas "negative result" may refer to a specific measurement or finding. In many contexts, they are interchangeable.

When is it appropriate to use "negative outcome"?

"Negative outcome" is suitable for formal writing, reports, and discussions where a clear and objective description of an undesirable result is needed. It may be less appropriate in casual conversation where simpler terms might be preferable.