rash

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "rash" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe sudden, widespread outbreaks, hasty decisions, or skin conditions. For example, "The new tax law has been met with a rash of criticism from the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pepler doesn't think that HBO being available without a cable package is going to lead to a rash of "cord cutting".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

These are followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, a rash, symptoms of impaired kidney and liver function and in some cases internal and external bleeding.

The Guardian

The chateau at Saint-Maurice de Reméns, central to his idyllic recollections of childhood, will become the seat of an international foundation to complement another institute in Paris and a rash of renamed avenues, schools and public buildings.

The Guardian - Books

Show us a spotty Jennifer Lawrence with bags under her eyes and a burgeoning rash.

The Guardian - Arts

Fowler thinks the sudden rash of mental health cases may be due to the fact that because the modern player can afford to be more open.

The Guardian - Sport

As for Sajid Javid's confirmation on breakfast radio that, as the new Vince Cable, he has early plans to further curb already shrunken trade union rights to strike, that rash talk is not easy to square with the PM's one nation comments at the weekend ("Thatcherite Javid to spearhead business push," says the FT splash).

The Guardian

But it would be equally rash to brush off this cautionary tale, which, at the least, suggests that creating hundreds of independent institutions offers scant protection against a slide in standards.

The Guardian - Opinion

"As a public figure I'm always reluctant to start making strong statements or rash statements about bodies that have been set up to keep public figures accountable, so I'm careful in that regard," he said on Sky News.

The Guardian

Most memories of the 1991 FA Cup final involve the rash foul on Gary Charles that put Paul Gascoigne out of football for more than a year.

The Guardian - Sport

Peter Van Onselen also made the same point recently when he said that scrapping the Australia Network would be, "rash, reactionary and will ultimately be counterproductive to our national interests".

The Guardian - Opinion

It is only a rash election pledge that is getting in the way of common sense.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rash" to describe actions, ensure the context clearly indicates a lack of careful consideration or forethought.

Common error

Avoid using "rash" when describing simple mistakes. "Rash" implies a level of recklessness or significant negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

"Rash" primarily functions as an adjective to describe actions or decisions lacking due consideration, as seen in examples like "rash talk" or "rash statements". It can also function as a noun, denoting a skin irritation or a sudden outbreak. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rash" is a versatile term effectively employed to describe both physical conditions and imprudent actions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. As an adjective, it criticizes decisions made without sufficient thought, while as a noun, it refers to skin irritations or sudden outbreaks. Primarily found in news and media, its register remains neutral, making it suitable for a broad audience. Remember to ensure context aligns with the implied severity when describing actions and avoid overstating simple mistakes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rash decision

Specifically refers to a decision made without careful consideration.

imprudent action

Indicates an action that is unwise or shows a lack of care.

skin eruption

Focuses specifically on the medical condition of a skin problem.

reckless behavior

Suggests actions that disregard potential dangers or consequences.

outbreak

Emphasizes the sudden and widespread occurrence of something undesirable.

ill-advised

Implies actions or decisions are unwise or inappropriate.

incautious

Emphasizes a lack of caution or carefulness.

spate

Highlights a large number of similar things happening in quick succession.

thoughtless

Highlights a lack of consideration or care.

headlong

Conveys a sense of speed and lack of caution.

FAQs

How can I use "rash" in a sentence?

You can use "rash" to describe skin irritations (e.g., "He developed a "skin rash" after the hike") or to characterize hasty decisions (e.g., "Making a "rash decision" can lead to regret").

What can I say instead of "rash" when describing a decision?

Alternatives include "imprudent", "reckless", or "hasty", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "a rash of decisions" or "a spate of decisions"?

Both "a rash of decisions" and "a spate of decisions" are correct and convey the same meaning, which is a sudden, large number of decisions occurring in close succession.

What's the difference between "rash" and "impulsive"?

"Impulsive" describes acting on sudden urges or desires, while "rash" specifically implies acting without proper consideration of the risks and consequences.