rigged game

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rigged game" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or system that is unfairly manipulated to favor one party over another. Example: "The election was criticized as a rigged game, with numerous allegations of voter suppression and manipulation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

pay: it's a rigged game.

The New York Times

In some sense, it's a rigged game.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It feels like a rigged game," she says.

The Guardian

Anyone can play, but the 1% will always win this rigged game!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It's a rigged game: from the beginning, they are all programmed not to rebel.

The New Yorker

Populists often deploy the passive voice, speaking of inequality or a rigged game.

The New Yorker

That is how we move from a rigged game to an economy that works for everyone.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I certainly think these tribunals have the potential to be a rigged game," Swift told me.

The New Yorker

We're like a compulsive gambler plunging ever more deeply into debt in order to wager on a rigged game.

The New York Times

For Mr. Silver's critics, the latest scandal reinforced a sense that ethics enforcement in Albany is a rigged game.

The New York Times

But they can sniff out the fix, the rigged game, better than many political scientists and economists.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "rigged game" when you want to emphasize that a system, process, or competition is unfairly manipulated to favor a specific outcome or party. It is effective in conveying a sense of injustice and predetermination.

Common error

While "rigged game" is widely understood, it can sound informal or accusatory. In professional or academic writing, consider using more neutral alternatives like "unfair system" or "manipulated process" unless you want to specifically highlight the element of deliberate deception.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rigged game" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used attributively to describe a system, process, or competition that is unfairly manipulated. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, it expresses a critical perspective on the inherent inequity within a given scenario.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rigged game" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote an unfairly manipulated system or situation. As supported by Ludwig AI, its usage spans from news and media to academic discourse, with a primary function of expressing criticism and disapproval. While alternatives like "unfair contest" or "manipulated system" may be more appropriate in certain formal contexts, "rigged game" effectively conveys a sense of injustice and predetermination, resonating with a wide audience due to its accessibility and clear meaning. Despite its general acceptance, writers should be mindful of the register and opt for more neutral language when necessary, ensuring clarity and precision in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stacked deck

This suggests the situation is unfairly arranged to favor one side.

fixed match

Implies the outcome has been prearranged or manipulated.

unfair contest

Highlights the lack of equity or justice in the competition.

manipulated system

Focuses on the active control and distortion of a process.

unequal playing field

Indicates inherent advantages for one participant over others.

one-sided affair

Emphasizes the overwhelming advantage of one party involved.

predetermined outcome

Stresses that the result is decided in advance.

dishonest scheme

Highlights the fraudulent or deceitful nature of the arrangement.

corrupt practice

Suggests unethical or illegal activities are influencing the situation.

sham process

Implies that the process is a deceptive imitation of a fair procedure.

FAQs

How can I use "rigged game" in a sentence?

You can use "rigged game" to describe any situation where the rules or conditions are unfairly biased. For instance, "The election was seen as a "rigged game" due to voter suppression tactics".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "rigged game"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "stacked deck", "unfair contest", or "manipulated system" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "rigged game" too informal for academic writing?

While "rigged game" is widely understood, it might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Alternatives like "unequal playing field" or "biased process" may be more appropriate.

What does it mean when someone says something is a "rigged game"?

When someone describes something as a "rigged game", they are suggesting that the rules or conditions have been unfairly manipulated to ensure a predetermined outcome, often favoring one party over others.