outright tragedy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outright tragedy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that is completely and undeniably tragic. Example: "The sudden loss of the beloved community leader was an outright tragedy that left everyone in shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

In this narrative arc lies the embedded message that growing up is a messy – even ugly – business, even if outright tragedy is averted by the end.

Independent

Actually, the non-disaster is more catastrophic, revealing to its participants their true nature and true situation, but withholding from them the drama and catharsis of outright tragedy.

The Guardian - Film

Although the movie stops short of outright tragedy, it is suffused with a grief born of rifts that may never be mended.

The New York Times

The play, in other words, depends heavily on three lead actors working like a chamber group to find the right notes in scenes that veer among black comedy, farce, satire, pathos and, especially at the end, outright tragedy.

The New York Times

Set in fantastic never-never lands or more familiar environments twisted radically out of kilter, Firbank's fiction advertises a wit so delicate that it can scarcely be identified, borne forward by scraps of rococo dialogue, the whole invariably undercut with intimations of deep unease, often extending to outright tragedy.

The Guardian - Books

For a film that could have been either a scorching satire or an outright tragedy, 'W.' is, if anything, overly conventional, especially stylistically.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

As your editorial noted, it would be simplistic and erroneous to label either the G.O.P. or Tea Party as an outright catalyst to this tragedy.

The New York Times

His second is a fascinating mirror image of the Copland trio, each making use of Jewish themes to convey the darkest of musical emotions, from mere tragedy to outright despair.

The Guardian - Music

But the accounts do offer up a number of piquant revelations on that nation's crisis, including outright policy mistakes, dubious conduct, personal agendas and tragedies.

The New York Times

The tragedy at Time Warp marked the beginning of an outright war by local government against electronic music in Buenos Aires.

Vice

"It is sad and reprehensible that a paid anti-Scientologist like Tony Ortega is exploiting this terrible tragedy involving a young woman: it's a sign of outright bigotry".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "outright tragedy" to emphasize the complete and undeniable nature of a tragic event. It's best suited for situations where the negative outcome is clear and overwhelming.

Common error

Avoid using "outright tragedy" for situations that are merely unfortunate or inconvenient. Reserve it for events that involve significant loss, suffering, or devastation to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outright tragedy" functions as a noun phrase, where "outright" intensifies the noun "tragedy". It serves to describe an event or situation as being completely and undeniably tragic, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "outright tragedy" is used to describe events of significant and undeniable tragic proportions. As Ludwig highlights, it functions as a noun phrase where "outright" intensifies the meaning of "tragedy". It is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media contexts, lending a neutral to formal tone. While suitable for formal settings, it should be reserved for situations involving significant loss and suffering to maintain its intended impact. Alternatives such as "complete catastrophe" or "absolute disaster" can be used to convey similar levels of devastation. The phrase is acceptable and usable in written English, as confirmed by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete catastrophe

Emphasizes the totality and disastrous nature of the event, focusing on its destructive impact.

absolute disaster

Highlights the devastating outcome and lack of positive aspects, stressing the magnitude of the failure.

total calamity

Focuses on the disastrous and unfortunate nature of the event, emphasizing its wide-reaching negative consequences.

sheer misfortune

Emphasizes the unfortunate nature of the event, suggesting bad luck or adverse circumstances played a significant role.

unmitigated disaster

Stresses that the disaster is complete and without any redeeming qualities or mitigating factors.

profound adversity

Highlights the depth and seriousness of the misfortune, focusing on the challenging and difficult situation it creates.

utter devastation

Focuses on the complete destruction and ruin caused by the event, emphasizing the extent of the damage.

severe misfortune

Highlights the intensity of the misfortune, suggesting a serious and impactful negative event.

terrible affliction

Emphasizes the suffering and distress caused by the event, focusing on its painful and burdensome nature.

grievous incident

Focuses on the serious and distressing nature of the event, highlighting the pain and sorrow it causes.

FAQs

How can I use "outright tragedy" in a sentence?

You can use "outright tragedy" to describe an event with a devastating and undeniable negative outcome. For example: "The earthquake that destroyed the city was an "outright tragedy"."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "outright tragedy"?

Alternatives include "complete catastrophe", "absolute disaster", or "total calamity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "outright tragedy" in a formal setting?

Yes, "outright tragedy" is suitable for formal settings when describing events of significant and undeniable tragic proportions. It's commonly found in news reports and academic analyses.

What distinguishes "outright tragedy" from a regular "tragedy"?

The addition of "outright" emphasizes the complete and undeniable nature of the tragedy. It suggests there are no mitigating factors or positive aspects, making the event purely and devastatingly tragic.