negative result

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "negative result" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the outcome of a situation or event that doesn't meet the desired expectations. For example, "The team was hoping to win the game, but unfortunately they had a negative result."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Neg: rtPCR negative result.

BMC Veterinary Research

"This was a negative result".

The New York Times - Health

A negative result on a nasal swab tells even less.

The New York Times

If you are negative, you get a negative result".

The New York Times

A negative result does not eliminate the possibility of reunification.

The New York Times

A positive, worldly experience out of a negative result.

Independent

A negative result for a European bank could be "more politically and fiscally significant," she added.

The New York Times

I was tested by Ukad later that week and produced a negative result".

The Guardian - Sport

"Maybe we should stop," said Esteban, after the fifth negative result came back.

The Guardian

Even a negative result would be extremely useful for other countries perhaps looking at similar schemes.

The Guardian

A negative result indicates no evidence of previous exposure to Toxoplasma gondii.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When documenting experimental results, always provide context for a "negative result". Explain what outcome was expected and why the actual result differed. This provides valuable insight even when the anticipated result isn't achieved.

Common error

Don't discard a "negative result" without proper analysis. It can indicate flaws in methodology, reveal unexpected interactions, or challenge existing theories. Treat it as an opportunity for deeper investigation, not just a failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negative result" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an outcome that is contrary to what was expected or desired. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

34%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "negative result" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an outcome that doesn't align with expectations, particularly in scientific, academic, and journalistic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While often associated with disappointment, a "negative result" is not always detrimental; it can offer valuable insights and guide future research. Alternatives such as "unsuccessful outcome" or "disappointing result" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to analyze "negative results" thoroughly, as they can reveal hidden patterns or flaws in your approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsuccessful outcome

Focuses on the lack of success achieved.

disappointing result

Emphasizes the feeling of disappointment caused by the result.

unfavorable outcome

Highlights the lack of favorable aspects in the outcome.

adverse consequence

Emphasizes the harmful or undesirable effect.

undesirable effect

Highlights the unwanted nature of the result.

poor showing

Refers to a performance that is below expectations.

failed attempt

Emphasizes the failure of an effort or try.

fruitless endeavor

Highlights the lack of positive outcome from an effort.

abortive measure

Implies that the action was cut short or unsuccessful.

setback

Indicates a temporary impediment or reversal in progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "negative result" to describe an outcome that doesn't confirm a hypothesis or expectation. For example, "The experiment yielded a "negative result", indicating that the treatment was ineffective."

What are some alternatives to saying "negative result"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "unsuccessful outcome", "adverse consequence", or "disappointing result".

Is it always bad to get a "negative result"?

Not necessarily. A "negative result" can still provide valuable information, such as disproving a hypothesis or highlighting areas for further investigation. It's crucial to analyze and interpret the findings, even if they're not what you expected.

In scientific research, what does a "negative result" typically mean?

In scientific research, a "negative result" often indicates that the hypothesis being tested was not supported by the data. This doesn't necessarily mean the research was unsuccessful, as it can still contribute to the overall understanding of the topic and guide future studies.