ugly existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ugly existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a life or situation that is perceived as unpleasant or undesirable. Example: "After years of struggling with poverty and loneliness, he felt trapped in an ugly existence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Franco, sadly, methodically answers all these questions, turning a cool, anthropological study of what it means to take another person's life into your own hands, into a clumsy screed on how unremittingly awful and ugly existence is.

The Guardian - Film

Contrary to the conditions described in the press releases, life in the camp was a harsh, ugly existence.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Instead of standing in my power, I avoided the ugly truths of our existence together and allowed the relationship to languish while we both suffered".

Huffington Post

VICE Todd Solondzith Nicolas Winding Refn.

Vice

Todd Solondz's worlds are always unsettling because they show you how ugly and dark human existence is and then dig you in the ribs and force you to laugh along.

Vice

Can existence not exist?

WikiHow

So how do I keep my son from becoming another statistic, another young person pushed to deadly means to end torment by those who think his existence is a sin, ugly, and wrong?

Huffington Post

Set at an indeterminate point in the future, there are clearly imbalances between gender; female hosts being abused by ugly men is part of the reason for the park's existence.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The purpose of our research was to increase students' perceptions about the existence, changes and opportunities of ugly.

European Journal of Futures Research

Or we can recognize that our anger is actually pain, an overwhelming emotion of love, interrupted by something so ugly we struggle to fully comprehend its existence and intrusion.

Huffington Post

I'm not proud of that but, like the existence of sex work itself, it's an ugly truth we just have to confront.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ugly existence", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the existence undesirable. Provide specific details to enhance the impact and understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "ugly existence" in situations that are merely inconvenient or mildly unpleasant. This phrase carries a strong negative connotation and is best reserved for scenarios involving significant suffering or hardship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ugly existence" functions as a noun phrase, where "ugly" is an adjective modifying the noun "existence". It serves to describe the quality of someone's or something's existence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ugly existence" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a life or state of being marked by hardship and unpleasantness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While relatively rare, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. Consider alternatives like "miserable life" or "grim reality" to tailor the nuance to your specific context. Avoid overuse in trivial situations to maintain its impact. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its usage in conveying serious and reflective sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

miserable life

Replaces "existence" with a more direct descriptor of the life's quality.

wretched existence

"Wretched" amplifies the negativity, suggesting extreme unhappiness.

grim reality

Shifts the focus to the harsh and unpleasant truth of a situation.

desolate life

"Desolate" emphasizes loneliness and emptiness in life.

bleak existence

"Bleak" suggests a lack of hope and positivity.

horrific life

Highlights the terror and unpleasantness in the daily life.

painful life

Underlines the distress and suffering throughout existence.

unpleasant life

A simple substitution with a synonym of "ugly".

difficult existence

Emphasizes the hardship and challenges faced during life.

undesirable situation

Focuses on the unfavorable circumstance of an existence.

FAQs

How can I use "ugly existence" in a sentence?

You can use "ugly existence" to describe a life filled with hardship or unpleasantness, as in "After years of poverty, he was trapped in an ugly existence."

What can I say instead of "ugly existence"?

You can use alternatives like "miserable life", "wretched existence", or "grim reality" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "ugly existence" an overused phrase?

While grammatically correct, "ugly existence" can sound dramatic. Consider the specific context and whether a simpler phrase like "difficult life" might be more appropriate.

What is the tone of "ugly existence"?

The phrase "ugly existence" carries a negative and often somber tone, suggesting a life or situation that is deeply unpleasant or undesirable. It is generally used in serious or reflective contexts.