significant tragedy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant tragedy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event that has a considerable impact or importance, often in a negative context, such as loss or suffering. Example: "The earthquake was a significant tragedy that affected thousands of lives and left the community in despair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

David Gibson, chief officer and company secretary of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland, said: "This was a significant tragedy.

The Guardian

"This is a significant tragedy, and our heartfelt condolences go out to the whole family," Mr. Cunningham said.

The New York Times

I believe that it also remains a significant tragedy that there are still four very learned people sitting on our Supreme Court who continue to try to rationalize such barbarity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

If the book's first half winningly sets up the foibles and eccentricities of a cheerfully dysfunctional family, its second must chart the consequences of significant random tragedy.

The New York Times - Books

The remaining members of the panel, however, were committed to the importance of heritage: there was a general consensus that it would be as significant a tragedy for the works of Petipa, Ashton, Cunningham et al to disappear from the stage as it would be for the classics of music, art or literature to be lost.

The Guardian

Anyway, all of that sucks and is the most significant social tragedy that I feel eternally lucky not to be a part of, because smart girls seem to avoid all that and just go fucking crazy all at once.

Vice

A distinguished history marked with beauty and achievement but also marred with significant challenges and tragedy.

Huffington Post

Resilience is defined as a dynamic process where individuals exhibit positive behavioral adaptation when they encounter significant adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or even significant sources of stress.

ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research

"This earthquake has claimed many lives and is a human tragedy of significant proportion.

The New York Times - Sports

"The paparazzi played a significant part in the tragedy and they should be punished," according the father's statement.

The New York Times

The compressed power of Jean Racine's mythic tragedy – a significant influence on Beckett's sense of psychic space – unfolded in meditative quarter-light at the coliseum's centre.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significant tragedy", consider the specific impact and scope of the tragedy you are describing. Ensure the term accurately reflects the gravity of the situation. Use it to underscore the importance of addressing the consequences and learning from the event.

Common error

Avoid using "significant tragedy" in contexts where the event is not truly tragic or its significance is overstated. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant tragedy" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "significant" modifies the noun "tragedy". It serves to emphasize the magnitude and importance of the tragic event. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in describing impactful and grievous situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significant tragedy" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the magnitude and impact of a tragic event. Ludwig AI validates its usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While the phrase is considered correct and usable, it is important to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in contexts where the tragedy or its significance is overstated. Alternatives like "major catastrophe", "profound misfortune", or "serious calamity" may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation. The phrase carries a neutral to formal tone and is frequently found in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major catastrophe

Replaces "tragedy" with a synonym that emphasizes the scale of the event.

profound misfortune

Substitutes "significant" with "profound" to highlight the depth of the sorrow.

serious calamity

Uses "calamity" instead of "tragedy" to denote a grave event with widespread consequences.

devastating event

Emphasizes the destructive impact of the event.

grievous loss

Focuses on the sense of loss and sorrow associated with the event.

cataclysmic occurrence

Replaces both "significant" and "tragedy" with more dramatic terms.

heartbreaking episode

Highlights the emotional impact of the tragedy.

monumental disaster

Stresses the immense scale of the tragedy.

severe adversity

Focuses on the hardship and suffering caused by the tragedy.

dire misfortune

Highlights the extremely negative nature of the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "significant tragedy" to describe an event with considerable impact and loss. For example: "The earthquake was a "significant tragedy" that affected thousands of lives."

What are some alternatives to "significant tragedy"?

Alternatives include "major catastrophe", "profound misfortune", or "serious calamity" depending on the context.

Is "significant tragedy" too strong of a phrase to use in some situations?

Yes, if the event is minor or its consequences are not severe, using "significant tragedy" would be an overstatement. Consider using milder terms like "unfortunate event" or "setback" instead.

What makes a tragedy "significant"?

A tragedy becomes "significant" when it has far-reaching consequences, affects a large number of people, or has a lasting impact on a community or society. The degree of impact and the scale of loss determine its significance.