utter flop

USAGE SUMMARY

'utter flop' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that fails completely and is a total failure. For example, "The play's opening night was an utter flop; nobody wanted to see it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

As a starter, Mr Davis was an utter flop.

The Economist

I got two years into the novel and got completely stymied and felt like it was an utter flop.

The Guardian - Books

David Cameron's tax break scheme for married couples has been branded an "utter flop" after just 8 per cent of those eligible for the allowance have applied, it has been reported.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Each line had meaning and excitement; even when she missed a note, she missed it with utter conviction in a kind of spectacular belly-flop.

The New York Times - Arts

Poor Tony flopped and gasped and pushed down inside and the utter red of the blood that feeds sight bloomed red behind his lids.

The New Yorker

Then, in a display of utter weakness, he buckled under pressure and did a complete flip-flop on the issue.

Huffington Post

Flop flop flop.

The Guardian

Utter garbage!

The New Yorker

"Captain America: utter, utter, utter tosh".

Independent

Utter madness.

The New York Times

Utter frustration.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utter flop" to emphasize the completeness of a failure. It's stronger than simply saying something 'failed'.

Common error

While "utter flop" is acceptable, reserve it for less formal writing. In professional or academic settings, consider using "complete failure" or "resounding failure" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter flop" functions as a noun phrase, where "utter" intensifies the meaning of "flop". It serves to describe something that has been a complete and unambiguous failure. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utter flop" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that has completely failed. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and provides examples of its usage, predominantly in news and media. While acceptable, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "complete failure" in professional or academic settings. The phrase's primary function is to express strong disapproval or disappointment, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the failure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete failure

This alternative is a more general term indicating a lack of success, without the emphatic "utter".

total disaster

This alternative suggests a more chaotic and negative outcome than a simple failure.

resounding failure

This alternative implies that the failure was very clear and widely recognized.

abject failure

This alternative emphasizes the dejected and miserable nature of the failure.

miserable failure

This alternative highlights the disappointing aspect of the failure.

unequivocal failure

This alternative suggests there is no doubt about the failure.

fiasco

This alternative implies a complete and often embarrassing failure.

debacle

This alternative suggests a sudden and ignominious failure.

catastrophic failure

This alternative emphasizes the severely damaging consequences of the failure.

colossal failure

This alternative denotes the failure was of great magnitude.

FAQs

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

You can use "utter flop" to describe something that has completely failed. For instance, "The new product launch was an "utter flop", with minimal sales and negative reviews."

What's a less informal alternative to "utter flop"?

Alternatives like "complete failure", "resounding failure", or "abject failure" offer a more formal tone than "utter flop".

Is "utter flop" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "utter flop" may be too informal for academic writing. Consider using alternatives like "complete failure" or "significant setback" for a more suitable tone.

What's the difference between "utter flop" and "complete failure"?

"Utter flop" emphasizes the completeness and often unexpected nature of the failure, while "complete failure" is a more general term for a lack of success.