the demise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the demise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the death or end of something, such as a person, organization, or concept. Example: "The sudden demise of the company shocked its employees and stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The demise came quickly.

The New Yorker

The demise snowballed.

The New York Times - Sports

The demise of phone books.

The New Yorker

Comment about the demise of Westway.

The New Yorker

The demise happens slowly but surely.

The Economist

Signed Comment about the demise of "New York Newsday".

The New Yorker

"The demise of Grand Union is here.

The New York Times

The demise of the 6% commission may still be inevitable.

The Economist

spells the demise of the bank's private-exchange experiment.

The New York Times

What was occurring was the demise of medieval Scholasticism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet the demise of Epecuen remains painful for former residents.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the demise" to add a sense of finality or significance to the ending of something. It is suitable for formal writing and impactful statements.

Common error

Avoid using "the demise" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone might sound overly dramatic or pretentious in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the demise" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies the end, death, or downfall of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the demise" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that signifies the end, death, or downfall of something. It appears frequently in news and media, and Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to formal contexts where the intention is to emphasize the significance of an ending. Remember to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing this impactful phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the end

A more general term for conclusion or termination.

the downfall

Suggests a fall from a higher position or status.

the collapse

Implies a sudden and often dramatic failure.

the extinction

Specifically refers to the complete disappearance of something, often a species.

the termination

A more formal and neutral term for ending.

the cessation

Indicates a stopping or ceasing of an activity or process.

the conclusion

Refers to the final part of something.

the fading

Suggests a gradual decline or disappearance.

the vanishing

Implies a sudden and mysterious disappearance.

the expiration

Often used for the end of a valid period or agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "the demise" in a sentence?

Use "the demise" to refer to the death, end, or downfall of something. For example: "The lack of funding ultimately led to "the demise" of the project."

What words are similar to "the demise"?

Similar terms include "the end", "the downfall", or "the collapse", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "the demise" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "the demise" is generally more suitable for formal writing or when emphasizing the significance of an ending. In casual conversation, simpler terms like "the end" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "the demise" and "the death"?

"The death" typically refers to the end of a life. "The demise" can refer to the end of anything, including a project, an organization, or an idea. For example, you might speak of "the demise" of a political movement, but not usually the death of one.