they are doomed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are doomed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a sense of inevitable failure or misfortune regarding a person or group. Example: "After the recent events, many believe they are doomed to fail in their mission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Obviously, they are doomed.

The New York Times

But they are doomed, too.

The New York Times

They are doomed to disappointment.

The Economist

Otherwise they are doomed.

The Guardian - Sport

Why tell people they are doomed?

The New York Times

Without it they are doomed".

The New York Times

That doesn't mean that they are doomed to be biased.

The New York Times

Their lives are short; they know that they are doomed.

The New Yorker

That they are doomed, their quest for a repeat squashed?

The New York Times - Sports

Barbara's father, refuses to believe they are doomed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They think they are dooming themselves somehow.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are doomed", consider the emotional impact on your audience. If the context requires sensitivity, framing the statement with empathy or offering potential solutions can mitigate negative reactions.

Common error

Avoid using "they are doomed" when the situation is still uncertain or has a reasonable chance of improvement. Overusing the phrase in speculative scenarios can create unnecessary alarm and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are doomed" functions as a declarative statement, expressing a prediction of unavoidable negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are doomed" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to indicate an unavoidable negative outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a declarative statement, often used to convey pessimism or emphasize the severity of a situation. While predominantly found in news and media, its use should be carefully considered in formal contexts. Remember that although widely used, framing the phrase with empathy can be important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are destined to fail

Replaces "doomed" with "destined to fail", emphasizing predetermination.

they are fated to perish

Substitutes "doomed" with "fated to perish", highlighting a tragic end.

they will inevitably fail

Replaces "doomed" with "inevitably fail", directly stating the unavoidable failure.

they are sure to collapse

Replaces "doomed" with "sure to collapse", focusing on a structural or systemic failure.

they are certain to fall

Emphasizes the certainty of a negative outcome using "certain to fall".

their fate is sealed

Uses a more figurative expression to indicate an unchangeable negative outcome.

they are bound to collapse

Suggests an inherent weakness leading to an inevitable breakdown.

they are headed for disaster

Focuses on the direction towards a negative outcome rather than the inevitability.

they have no chance of success

Shifts the focus to the lack of opportunity for a positive outcome.

they are staring down the barrel

Uses a more idiomatic expression to indicate imminent danger and failure.

FAQs

How can I use "they are doomed" in a sentence?

Use "they are doomed" to express a strong sense of inevitable failure or misfortune. For example, "Without sufficient resources, "they are doomed" to fail."

What phrases are similar to "they are doomed"?

Similar phrases include "they are destined to fail", "they are fated to perish", or "their fate is sealed". These alternatives also convey a sense of inevitability.

Is "they are doomed" too strong for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "they are doomed" can sound dramatic. In formal writing, consider milder alternatives like "they are likely to fail" or "they face insurmountable challenges" for a more nuanced tone.

What's the difference between "they are doomed" and "they are in danger"?

"They are in danger" suggests a present threat with a possibility of intervention. "They are doomed" implies that the negative outcome is unavoidable, regardless of any efforts to prevent it. Therefore, "they are in danger" allows for hope while "they are doomed" does not.