such a travesty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "such a travesty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong disapproval or disappointment regarding an event or situation that is perceived as unjust or wrong. Example: "The decision to cut funding for the arts program is such a travesty; it undermines the value of creativity in our society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

No modern democracy has experienced such a travesty.

The New York Times

"The fact that we can't even get that is such a travesty, it's ridiculous".

The New York Times

She went on, "I think it was such a travesty of justice.

The New Yorker

Rather than accept such a travesty, the reformers are at last putting up a fight.

The New York Times

And if so (and it tastes just as good), is that really such a travesty?

The Guardian - Opinion

Though Iranians are demoralized by how little the reformers have accomplished, they should firmly reject such a travesty of democracy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

'Moscow wanted a parallel, outside Soviet borders, to the infamous purge trials, and the targets of attempts to realise such a judicial travesty included George Orwell,' he writes.

The Guardian

I would argue, in the Gladstonian liberal tradition of which Iraq became such a ghastly travesty, that an enlightened definition of British interests should also include a decent respect and concern for the basic interests of others around the globe.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's because I want my daughter to experience and enjoy her own sexuality that such a flagrant travesty of sexuality and womanhood leaves me rattled.

Huffington Post

The conductor of the 1951 production, Hans Knappertsbusch, on being asked how he could conduct such a disgraceful travesty, declared that right up until the dress rehearsal he imagined that the stage decorations were still to come.

Wikipedia

What is amazing to me is that the Owls defense, under the supervision of a well-regarded defensive mind like Bailiff's, could be such an overwhelming travesty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "such a travesty" when you want to strongly express that something is a serious misrepresentation, injustice, or failure. Make sure the context aligns with a situation that warrants strong disapproval.

Common error

Avoid using "such a travesty" in contexts where the issue is minor or simply inconvenient. Save it for situations that genuinely involve injustice, ethical failure, or significant misrepresentation to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "such a travesty" functions as an evaluative expression, typically used to express strong disapproval or condemnation of a situation or event. This is supported by the diverse examples provided by Ludwig, where the phrase is used across various contexts to highlight perceived injustices or failures.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

12%

Music

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "such a travesty" is a commonly used expression to convey strong disapproval or disappointment, particularly concerning perceived injustices or misrepresentations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations genuinely warranting strong condemnation to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "such an injustice" or "such a disgrace" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

such an injustice

Replaces "travesty" with "injustice", focusing on the unfairness of the situation.

such a disgrace

Substitutes "travesty" with "disgrace", emphasizing the shameful nature of the event.

such a mockery

Replaces "travesty" with "mockery", highlighting the disrespectful or derisive aspect.

such a perversion

Substitutes "travesty" with "perversion", suggesting a distortion or corruption of what is right.

such an outrage

Replaces "travesty" with "outrage", focusing on the feeling of anger and shock.

such a gross miscarriage of justice

Expands on the idea of "travesty" to specifically denote a severe failure of the legal system.

such a distortion of justice

Replaces "travesty" with "distortion", emphasizing that justice has been twisted.

this is simply unacceptable

Expresses disapproval using a more direct and less figurative statement.

this is deeply disappointing

Communicates a sense of letdown and frustration.

what a complete sham

Emphasizes the deceptive and fraudulent nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "such a travesty" in a sentence?

You can use "such a travesty" to express strong disapproval or disappointment. For example, "The fact that the museum closed down is "such a travesty", given its importance to the community."

What phrases are similar to "such a travesty"?

Similar phrases include "such an injustice", "such a disgrace", or "such a mockery", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "such a travesty" in formal writing?

While "such a travesty" is generally acceptable, it carries a strong emotional tone. In very formal contexts, consider more neutral alternatives like "this is unacceptable" or "this is deeply disappointing" to maintain objectivity.

What is the difference between "such a travesty" and "a complete sham"?

"Such a travesty" implies a serious misrepresentation or injustice, while "what a complete sham" suggests something is entirely fake or fraudulent. The former focuses on the wrongness, and the latter on the deception.