remarkable upset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remarkable upset" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected or surprising defeat, often in the context of sports or competitions. Example: "The underdog team achieved a remarkable upset by defeating the reigning champions in the finals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It was a remarkable upset.

The New York Times

On Friday, the Eagles pulled off the Round of 64's most remarkable upset, knocking off second-seeded Georgetown.

The New York Times - Sports

In 2012, he won 11 states and came just short of pulling off a remarkable upset against Mitt Romney.

The Guardian

Schalke came within a goal of pulling off a remarkable upset after losing last month's first leg in Gelsenkirchen 2-0.

The Guardian - Sport

Two obvious possibilities lie thousands of miles apart, in Colorado, in the mountain West, and in Virginia, the other remarkable upset that Mr Obama pulled off in 2008 by winning a state that the Republicans had held since 1968.

The Economist

They were only 10 seconds from defeat and a remarkable upset but England were denied their first gold in this competition after a dramatic penalty shootout ensured the tears flowed as freely as the Glasgow rain.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

One of the most remarkable upsets of election night, Ms Black beat Labour's election guru and former shadow foreign secretary Douglas Alexander in Paisley and Renfrewshire South.

BBC

In one of the most remarkable upsets in March Madness yet, Northern Iowa advanced past Texas Friday night with an incredible buzzer-beater.

Huffington Post

"But Sparks didn't drop out, and on Tuesday he was rewarded with one of the more remarkable upsets in Alabama primary history," wrote the Birmingham News.

Huffington Post

When the champion overcooked a forehand, Kerber led 4-2 and stood on the verge of a remarkable unexpected upset.

The Guardian - Sport

His unexpected victory in the midst of that national trauma produced one of the more remarkable political upsets in recent European history.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remarkable upset" to emphasize the unexpected and significant nature of a victory or defeat, particularly when the outcome defies expectations or established hierarchies.

Common error

Avoid using "remarkable upset" to describe outcomes that, while perhaps surprising, are within the realm of reasonable possibility. Reserve the phrase for truly unexpected and noteworthy events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remarkable upset" functions as a noun phrase, where "remarkable" modifies "upset". It is used to describe a surprising and significant defeat or victory. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remarkable upset" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon expression used to describe an unexpected and significant victory or defeat. Predominantly found in News & Media and Sports contexts, it serves to emphasize the surprising nature of the outcome. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is widely accepted and understood. When using this phrase, ensure the context truly warrants the description of a "remarkable" deviation from expectations. Consider alternatives like "stunning upset" or "surprising victory" for nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stunning upset

Emphasizes the surprise and impact of the upset.

surprising victory

Focuses on the positive outcome of the unexpected event.

unexpected triumph

Highlights the achievement against the odds.

major upset

Highlights the scale and significance of the upset.

significant upset

Similar to 'major upset', emphasizing importance.

astonishing defeat

Highlights the unexpected nature of the defeat of a superior opponent.

improbable win

Stresses the low likelihood of the victory.

unforeseen defeat

Focuses on the lack of anticipation of the losing side.

unexpected turnaround

Highlights the change in momentum leading to an unexpected result.

surprise result

A more general term for an outcome that was not predicted.

FAQs

How can I use "remarkable upset" in a sentence?

You can use "remarkable upset" to describe an unexpected victory, such as: "The team achieved a "remarkable upset" by defeating the reigning champions."

What are some alternatives to "remarkable upset"?

Alternatives include "stunning upset", "surprising victory", or "unexpected triumph", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "remarkable upset" formal or informal?

"Remarkable upset" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, commonly found in news reporting and sports commentary. Register varies depending on the specific publication.

What makes an upset "remarkable"?

An upset is considered "remarkable" when it defies expectations to a significant degree, often involving a clear underdog defeating a heavily favored opponent, or any result considered improbable.