total flop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "total flop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has failed completely or did not meet expectations, often in the context of a project, event, or product. Example: "The movie was a total flop at the box office, failing to attract any audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

And a total flop.

The New York Times

The party was a total flop.

The New York Times - Style

Or, of course, the technology could be a total flop.

The New York Times

That stage has turned out to be a failure if not a total flop.

The New York Times

He could, however, be running into a year that is a total flop.

The New York Times - Sports

It minimizes the risk of a total flop, since it guarantees at least one good weekend.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

In fact, the whole island seems to take it personally if total flop-out is not achieved at least by day three.

The Guardian - Travel

I find walking without maps similar to cooking without recipes; sometimes there are unexpected masterpieces, and other times, total flops.

The Guardian

I've been able to share with you the highs and lows, the triumphs and total flops, of my experiments in baking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He came to notice in Britain in the late 1980s for his leading roles in television series like "Capital City," then took parts in "several movies that were total flops and left me wondering what I was doing with my career".

The New York Times

We summarize the total flops needed for the matrix operations as below: Multiplication of m × n and n × p complex matrices is 8mnp flops.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "total flop" to concisely describe something that has unequivocally failed to achieve its intended purpose or goals. It is particularly effective when emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the failure.

Common error

While "total flop" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider synonyms like "complete failure" or "utter disaster" to add variety and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "total flop" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a predicate nominative or object complement. It describes something that has completely failed. Ludwig shows many examples of its usage in describing failed events, products, or strategies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "total flop" is a commonly used expression to describe something that has completely failed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While appropriate for general conversation and news reporting, users should consider more formal alternatives like "complete failure" or "utter disaster" in professional settings. The phrase's high frequency in news and media reflects its effectiveness in conveying disappointment and disapproval regarding unsuccessful endeavors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete failure

Replaces "flop" with a more general term for lack of success, maintaining the emphasis on totality.

absolute failure

Similar to "complete failure", but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the completeness of the lack of success.

utter disaster

Emphasizes the catastrophic nature of the failure, suggesting significant negative consequences.

failed completely

Uses a verb phrase to express the same concept, focusing on the action of failing rather than the state of being a flop.

resounding failure

Highlights the decisiveness and clarity of the failure, leaving no room for doubt.

unmitigated disaster

Like utter disaster but, instead of flop, refers to a general problem.

miserable failure

Adds an emotional dimension, emphasizing the disappointment and unhappiness associated with the failure.

abject failure

Implies a humiliating or shameful failure, highlighting the depth of the disappointment.

went down the drain

Figurative language to imply complete loss or waste. Implies that all resources used are now useless.

bombed completely

Informal term, especially for projects, plans or performances.

FAQs

How can I use "total flop" in a sentence?

You can use "total flop" to describe anything that has failed completely. For example: "The new product launch was a "total flop"".

What can I say instead of "total flop"?

You can use alternatives like "complete failure", "utter disaster", or "resounding failure" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "total flop" in formal writing?

While "total flop" is widely understood, it might be considered somewhat informal. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral alternatives like "complete failure" or "absolute failure".

What's the difference between "total flop" and "partial failure"?

"Total flop" indicates a complete lack of success, while "partial failure" suggests that some aspects were successful, but overall the endeavor did not meet expectations.