undesirable outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undesirable outcome" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to an unfortunate result of an event, action, decision, etc. For example: If the company does not take corrective action in time, they could face an undesirable outcome.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Under normal circumstances, this would be an undesirable outcome.

The Guardian - Business

Repeat lumbar spine surgery is generally an undesirable outcome.

The Spine Journal

In other words, you have total power to prevent mediation from leading to an undesirable outcome.

Harvard University

Last July three of four experts determined she was malingering – faking a psychiatric illness to avoid an undesirable outcome.

The Guardian

blame game n. exchange of accusations among people who refuse to accept (sole) responsibility for an undesirable outcome.

The New York Times

Selling dollar-denominated assets could strengthen the yen, an undesirable outcome for the nation's manufacturers.

The New York Times

One potential undesirable outcome is a decrease in cervical lordosis postoperatively.

The Spine Journal

FTA is used as a tool to quantitatively assess a system's probability for an undesirable outcome.

Reliability Engineering & System Safety

In both cases, poor reasoning could result in an undesirable outcome.

Procedia Technology

Loss of chimerism is an undesirable outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) after reduced-intensity conditioning.

Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Asking a senior doctor or nurse for help potentially averts an undesirable outcome and creates a valuable learning opportunity for the first-year resident.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In reports or analyses, use "undesirable outcome" to objectively describe results that deviate from expected or desired benchmarks.

Common error

While "undesirable outcome" is appropriate in formal writing, it can sound stilted in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "bad result" or "negative effect" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undesirable outcome" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or complement in a sentence. It refers to a result or consequence that is not wanted or preferred. Ludwig's examples show its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "undesirable outcome" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a negative or unwanted result. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and widespread application across diverse fields, including science, news, and business. While perfectly acceptable in formal writing, consider the register of your audience: in informal contexts simpler alternatives may sound more natural. To enhance your writing, remember to use the phrase to clearly identify risks or consequences to avoid, as "undesirable outcome" precisely conveys a negative result that deviates from the intended or desired state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfavorable consequence

Replaces 'outcome' with 'consequence', implying a result that follows a specific action or event and is not positive.

negative result

Uses 'result' instead of 'outcome', focusing on the negativity of the achieved end.

adverse effect

Shifts focus to the impact or influence, suggesting a harmful or unfavorable effect.

unwelcome development

Frames the outcome as an event or progression that is not wanted or appreciated.

detrimental effect

Similar to "adverse effect", but emphasizes the damaging nature of the outcome.

regrettable situation

Highlights the state of affairs resulting from the event, emphasizing feelings of regret.

disadvantageous circumstance

Focuses on the conditions created by the outcome, emphasizing a state of being at a disadvantage.

poor turn of events

Describes the situation as a change in circumstances for the worse, using more descriptive language.

unfortunate incident

Refers to the outcome as a specific event that is regrettable or unlucky.

untoward incident

Untoward means unexpected and inappropriate or unwelcome

FAQs

How can I use "undesirable outcome" in a sentence?

You can use "undesirable outcome" to describe a negative consequence or result. For example, "Failure to address the safety concerns could lead to an undesirable outcome.".

What are some alternatives to "undesirable outcome"?

Some alternatives include "negative result", "adverse effect", or "unfavorable consequence", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "undesirable outcome" and "negative outcome"?

While similar, "undesirable outcome" often implies that the outcome was preventable or avoidable, whereas "negative outcome" is a more general term for an unfavorable result.

When is it appropriate to use the term "undesirable outcome"?

Use "undesirable outcome" in formal or professional contexts when you want to clearly and objectively describe a negative result that should be avoided. It's particularly suitable in reports, analyses, and discussions of risk management.