profound tragedy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profound tragedy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deeply sad or tragic event or situation. Example: The death of his parents was a profound tragedy that he struggled to come to terms with for years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The conflict was a profound tragedy for Lincoln's America.

Independent

Rather, it tells of a profound tragedy, of a failed system and a failed human being.

The Guardian - Film

To me, that is a profound tragedy in this case," Mr. Delahunt said in his first remarks on the case, 10 days after the Huntsville shooting.

The New York Times

The times were quite different: an entire nation devastated in the case of Lincoln, and a much smaller, if still deeply profound, tragedy today.

The New Yorker

And in the unfortunate event that there is a bird flu or Marburg outbreak, there Schultz will be again, hawking domains of profound tragedy, looking to make money.

Independent

Each has endured the murder of his wife, and both shows are in part testament to the improbability of closure in the face of profound tragedy.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The expulsion from Spain and the forced conversions to Christianity in both Spain and Portugal were profound tragedies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Only the most profound tragedies, in accordance with Senecan models, occasionally eschewed all music except for the sounds of trumpets and drums.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Life is complex and it can be tragic, but it is also exceedingly beautiful and it is profound tragedies like this that illustrate, that indeed, none of us are islands onto ourselves and that yes indeed, when the bell tolls for one it tolls for all of us.

Huffington Post

Every one of the late-night comedians Letterman, Leno, Kilborn, O'Brien, and the ensemble of Saturday Night Live felt obliged to spend several minutes of their first episode back discussing the difficulty of performing comedy under the circumstances of such a profound national tragedy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Detroit Wild City walks us through the ruins of capitalism, we listen to the voice of reason from some good Americans in a bad place, and we witness the profound human tragedy.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profound tragedy" to convey the deep and lasting impact of an event, highlighting its emotional and societal consequences. Be mindful of the context and ensure the phrase aligns with the gravity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "profound tragedy" to describe everyday inconveniences or minor setbacks. Reserve it for events with significant and far-reaching consequences to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound tragedy" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a correct and usable phrase, emphasizing its descriptive role in conveying the magnitude of a tragic event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "profound tragedy" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe events of significant and lasting impact. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys deep sorrow and emphasizes the gravity of a devastating situation. Analysis reveals its prevalence in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While versatile, it's crucial to reserve "profound tragedy" for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong descriptor, avoiding its dilution in less significant circumstances. Related phrases, such as "deeply moving tragedy" and "heartrending catastrophe", offer nuanced alternatives for expressing similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply moving tragedy

This alternative emphasizes the emotional impact of the tragedy.

overwhelming sorrow

This alternative directly addresses the intense sadness experienced.

heartrending catastrophe

This alternative underscores the devastating nature of the event.

cataclysmic misfortune

This alternative stresses the sudden and destructive nature.

utterly devastating event

This alternative highlights the complete destruction caused.

grievous loss

This alternative speaks to the heaviness and burden of the loss.

deeply felt loss

This alternative focuses on the emotional absence and grief.

significant misfortune

This alternative softens the impact while still acknowledging the gravity.

palpable calamity

This alternative underlines tangible, evident consequence of something horrible

severe adversity

This alternative refers to hardship and suffering of the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "profound tragedy" to describe events like natural disasters, historical conflicts, or personal losses that have a significant and lasting impact. For example: "The Civil War was a "profound tragedy" for the United States."

What are some alternatives to "profound tragedy"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "deeply moving tragedy", "heartrending catastrophe", or "utterly devastating event" to express similar sentiments.

Is it appropriate to use "profound tragedy" in a business context?

While "profound tragedy" is generally used in more formal or serious contexts, it can be appropriate in a business setting when discussing events that have a significant impact on the company or its employees. However, consider the sensitivity of the situation and choose your words carefully.

What makes a tragedy "profound"?

A tragedy is considered "profound" when it has a deep and lasting impact on individuals, communities, or societies. It often involves significant loss, suffering, and a sense of irreversible change.