off to a disappointing start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "off to a disappointing start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that has begun poorly or has not met expectations. Example: "The project is off to a disappointing start, as we have already encountered several unforeseen challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"We've got off to a disappointing start," Giggs told talkSPORT.

Independent

A fall in tax receipts got the new fiscal year off to a disappointing start.

The Guardian - Business

It was some welcome upbeat news for the ambitious project which had got off to a disappointing start.

Independent

The "road show" for the Arian Foster initial public offering has gotten off to a disappointing start.

The New York Times

Since "Three Dubious Memories," the other premiere last week, was also thin, the season has gotten off to a disappointing start.

The New York Times - Arts

Hopes of repeating Britain's dazzling success in the pool faded today after the men and women swimmers got off to a disappointing start.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The Orangemen are off to a disappointing 2-2 start, but the Panthers have not won in the raucous Carrier Dome since 1982.

The New York Times - Sports

The Knicks have a home game against Indiana, which is off to a disappointing 4-6 start but remains one of the deeper teams in the N.B.A. Then they play at New Orleans, Dallas and Houston in a four-day stretch.

The New York Times

With San Jose off to a disappointing 8-12-2-2 start, General Manager Dean Lombardi decided to replace Sutter, who had led the Sharks to five consecutive seasons of improved point totals while helping to transform the team into a Stanley Cup contender.

The New York Times - Sports

Even one of the network's highest-profile premieres, David E. Kelley's post-feminist legal comedy-drama, "girls club," got off to a very disappointing start just two weeks ago, long after its Monday night competitors, CBS's "Still Standing" and WB's "Everwood," were introduced.

The New York Times

Boston is off to a somewhat disappointing 10-9 start, fourth in the Atlantic Division, and Sullinger has yet to contribute much, averaging 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds a game.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "off to a disappointing start" when you want to concisely convey that something's initial phase failed to meet expectations. Ensure that the subject of the phrase is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "off to a disappointing start" when describing long-term trends or situations. This phrase is best suited for the initial phase of an event, project or season. For ongoing problems, consider using phrases like "experiencing continued setbacks" or "facing persistent challenges."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off to a disappointing start" primarily functions as a descriptive element, characterizing the commencement of an event, project, or period. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable expression. It typically follows a subject and a verb like 'is' or 'got', creating a subject complement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "off to a disappointing start" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that began poorly. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, sports, and business contexts, it serves to convey a sense of initial failure or unmet expectations. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic settings. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is well-defined and be mindful of its appropriateness for describing initial phases rather than ongoing trends.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started poorly

A more general and straightforward way of saying the beginning was not good.

got underway badly

Similar to started poorly, focusing on the poor manner of commencement

began on a sour note

Emphasizes the unpleasant or negative quality of the beginning.

opened with a setback

Highlights that the beginning involved an obstacle or difficulty.

had an unpromising beginning

Highlights the lack of positive indications at the start.

launched with difficulties

Focuses on the problematic launch or initiation of something.

initiated with challenges

Similar to 'launched with difficulties' but emphasizes ongoing challenges.

kicked off on the wrong foot

An idiomatic expression indicating a bad start, especially in relationships or projects.

underway with problems

Suggests the existence of issues from the very beginning.

commenced unfavorably

A more formal way of saying the start was not advantageous.

FAQs

What does "off to a disappointing start" mean?

It means that something has begun in a way that did not meet expectations, implying a negative or unfavorable commencement.

What can I say instead of "off to a disappointing start"?

You can use alternatives like "began on a sour note", "started poorly", or "had an unpromising beginning" depending on the context.

Is "off to a disappointing start" formal or informal?

It is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "commenced unfavorably" exist for professional communications.

Can "off to a disappointing start" be used for describing a person's performance?

Yes, it can be used to describe a person's initial performance in a new role or competition, for example, "The new quarterback was off to a disappointing start in his first game."