ultimate tragedy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ultimate tragedy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that represents the highest or most significant form of tragedy, often in a dramatic or literary context. Example: "The ultimate tragedy of the story is the loss of innocence that the protagonist experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Hers is the ultimate tragedy.

Independent

This, indeed, may be the ultimate tragedy.

Britannica

And that is the ultimate tragedy.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was his behavior that led to the ultimate tragedy".

The New York Times

"To have Iraq destroyed and the regime preserved was the ultimate tragedy".

The New York Times

And the ultimate tragedy is that knowledge can never be un-learnt.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The ultimate tragedies are ones we could have avoided but instead chose to ignore while we could still take action.

Huffington Post

"Castles of Steel" is a sequel to Massie's 1991 "Dreadnought: Britain, Germany, and the Coming of the Great War," which described, in his own words, "the implacable chain of events that moved like a Greek tragedy toward the ultimate catastrophe of the Great War".

The New York Times - Books

Then perhaps we have the ultimate Politkovskaya tragedy.

The Guardian

Acts of incredible bravery and sacrifice occur within the context of war, but the death, injury and destruction represent the ultimate human tragedy.

The New York Times

St Aubyn, said senior editor Juliet Brooke, is "a master at portraying the fault lines in family relationships with caustic precision", so "who better to take on the ultimate family tragedy" of King Lear?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "greatest misfortune" or "supreme disaster" when describing less severe situations.

Common error

Avoid using "ultimate tragedy" in trivial situations. Overusing the phrase diminishes its impact and can make your writing sound melodramatic. Consider if the situation truly warrants such strong language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ultimate tragedy" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It describes a situation or event representing the highest or most significant form of tragedy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ultimate tragedy" is a noun phrase used to describe a situation that represents the highest form of tragedy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is frequently encountered in news and media, as well as academic contexts, serving to express strong emotional impact and highlight the severity of an event. When considering alternative phrasing, options such as "greatest misfortune" or "supreme disaster" can be used, but it's important to reserve this phrase for situations where profound loss is involved to maintain its intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greatest misfortune

Replaces "tragedy" with a more general term for bad luck or adversity.

supreme disaster

Substitutes "tragedy" with "disaster", emphasizing the catastrophic nature of the event.

deepest sorrow

Focuses on the emotional impact of the tragedy, highlighting the sadness and grief involved.

final catastrophe

Emphasizes the concluding and devastating nature of the event.

complete devastation

Highlights the thorough and widespread destruction caused by the tragedy.

utter heartbreak

Focuses on the emotional pain and suffering associated with the event.

total collapse

Suggests a complete and irreversible failure or ruin.

worst-case scenario

Emphasizes the most negative possible outcome of a situation.

ultimate downfall

Focuses on the fall from grace or ruin of an individual or entity.

peak of suffering

Highlights the extreme level of pain and distress experienced.

FAQs

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

You can use "ultimate tragedy" to describe a situation or event that represents the highest or most significant form of tragedy. For instance, "The "ultimate tragedy" of the play is the protagonist's descent into madness".

What are some alternatives to "ultimate tragedy"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "greatest misfortune", "supreme disaster", or "deepest sorrow".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "ultimate tragedy"?

It is appropriate to use "ultimate tragedy" when describing events that involve significant loss, suffering, or devastation, representing the most profound form of tragedy within a given context. However, avoid overuse, as it can diminish its impact.

Is "ultimate tragedy" the same as "greatest tragedy"?

While similar, "ultimate tragedy" often implies a sense of finality or culmination, whereas "greatest tragedy" simply indicates the most significant tragedy. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.