ultimate irony

USAGE SUMMARY

"ultimate irony" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where the outcome is completely opposite to what was expected. Example: It was the ultimate irony that the hardworking student who studied late into the night ended up failing the exam.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here is the ultimate irony.

The Guardian - Sport

This is the ultimate irony of "Black Belt".

The New York Times - Arts

The ultimate irony for a man of faith.

The New York Times - Sports

Which, of course, is the ultimate irony of the anti-shechita movement.

Independent

Of course, that would be the ultimate irony: Kerry's loose lips saving Obama's hide.

The New Yorker

It was, he asserted, the ultimate irony that she had become the intellectual underpinning for Disneyland.

The Guardian

The ending is a little melodramatic, but that might be the ultimate irony of "Black".

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps the ultimate irony is that Trump's own ancestors came from Africa, as did all mankind.

The New Yorker

The ultimate irony is that the Soviet machine, in identifying chess as a political vehicle, arguably hastened its own breakdown.

Independent

The ultimate irony of the Vietnam War was that it was, in itself, a public-relations issue.

The New Yorker

The ultimate irony is that one of the rarest paintings this week fell unwanted in Sotheby's sale.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ultimate irony" to underscore situations where the outcome is starkly contrary to expectations. It is most effective when the contrast is both significant and unexpected.

Common error

Avoid using "ultimate irony" for mildly ironic situations. The term implies a profound and significant reversal, so reserve it for scenarios where the contrast is truly striking and unexpected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ultimate irony" functions as a noun phrase, where "ultimate" modifies "irony". It serves to emphasize the exceptional or extreme nature of an ironic situation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a situation with an outcome completely opposite to what was expected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science & Research

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ultimate irony" is a common phrase used to describe situations where the outcome is strikingly contrary to expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. With numerous examples available, its function is to emphasize extreme or profound irony. It appears frequently in news and media, arts, and book contexts, suggesting a neutral register suitable for analytical and descriptive writing. When using this phrase, ensure the situation genuinely represents a significant and unexpected reversal to convey its intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

height of irony

Emphasizes that the situation is a prime example of irony, highlighting its prominence.

ultimate paradox

Focuses on the paradoxical nature of the situation, emphasizing the self-contradictory elements.

classic case of irony

Refers to a well-known or typical example of irony, often used to emphasize the obviousness of the ironic situation.

perfect paradox

Focuses on the paradoxical nature of the situation, emphasizing the self-contradictory elements.

supreme contradiction

Emphasizes the contradictory nature of the situation, highlighting the paradox involved.

ironic twist of fate

Highlights the role of destiny or chance in creating the ironic situation, adding a sense of inevitability.

sheer incongruity

Highlights the lack of alignment or compatibility in the situation, stressing the absurdity.

total antithesis

Emphasizes that the situation is the direct opposite of what was anticipated, highlighting the contrast.

peak of incongruity

Highlights the extreme lack of harmony or consistency in the situation, suggesting it's the most extreme example.

complete reversal

Highlights how the situation is the opposite of what was expected, showing a turnabout.

FAQs

How can I use "ultimate irony" in a sentence?

Use "ultimate irony" to describe a situation where the result is the opposite of what was anticipated or expected. For instance, "The "ultimate irony" was that the fire station burned down."

What is a good substitute for "ultimate irony"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "perfect paradox", "sheer incongruity", or "classic case of irony".

Is "ultimate irony" the same as regular irony?

"Ultimate irony" suggests a higher degree or more significant instance of irony than just plain irony. It's reserved for situations with a striking and unexpected contrast.

What makes something the "ultimate irony"?

The "ultimate irony" occurs when a situation is not only ironic but also represents a peak or extreme example of ironic circumstances, often with significant consequences or implications.