was a complete failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was a complete failure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, project, or effort that did not succeed at all. Example: "The project was a complete failure, leading to significant financial losses for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Tebow was a complete failure.

The New York Times

It was a complete failure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Self-regulation was a complete failure".

The Economist

But actually, it was a complete failure.

The Guardian - Arts

Ultimately, his plan was a complete failure.

The New York Times - Books

"Lots of people say it was a complete failure.

The Guardian

"It was a complete failure," he said the other day.

The New Yorker

"Trump's convention strategy in Iowa was a complete failure," said Spiker.

The Guardian

There was a complete failure in the duty of care to pupils, parents and staff.

The Guardian

"There was a complete failure of management to address serious problems and monitor performance.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ed Wood the now-celebrated writer, producer, and director whose life and work have inspired a pop-culture religion known as Woodism was a complete failure in his time, the 1950s.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was a complete failure", ensure the context clearly defines what specific goals or expectations were not met. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "was a complete failure" as a generic criticism. Always provide context and specific reasons why something is deemed a complete failure. Lack of detail weakens the statement and reduces its credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was a complete failure" functions as a predicative expression, where "was" is the copula linking the subject to the predicate nominative "a complete failure". This describes a state of being, indicating that something fully did not succeed. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was a complete failure" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that did not succeed. Ludwig's analysis shows it's frequently used in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. Although Ludwig AI indicates its general correctness, it’s crucial to use this phrase with specificity, detailing why something failed to avoid ambiguity. In professional communication, be mindful of the tone; sometimes, milder synonyms are preferable. Remember, while the phrase is widely applicable, clear and contextual usage maximizes its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was an utter disaster

Emphasizes the catastrophic nature of the failure.

was wholly unsuccessful

Underscores the complete lack of success.

was a total flop

Suggests a lighthearted or comedic failure.

failed spectacularly

Highlights the dramatic and obvious nature of the failure.

proved entirely fruitless

Highlights the lack of any positive results or gains.

was a resounding defeat

Emphasizes the decisiveness and completeness of the failure.

did not achieve its goals

Focuses on the failure to meet specific objectives.

yielded no positive results

Stresses the absence of favorable outcomes.

ended in complete ruin

Focuses on the destructive consequences of the failure.

was an exercise in futility

Highlights the pointlessness and lack of value in the effort.

FAQs

How can I use "was a complete failure" in a sentence?

You can use "was a complete failure" to describe an event, project, or plan that did not achieve its intended outcome. For example, "The marketing campaign "was a complete failure", resulting in zero new leads."

What are some alternatives to "was a complete failure"?

Alternatives include "was an utter disaster", "was a total flop", or "did not achieve its goals". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

When is it appropriate to use "was a complete failure"?

Use "was a complete failure" when the subject in question unequivocally failed to achieve its goals, and there are no redeeming qualities or successes to consider. It's a strong statement that should be reserved for situations that warrant such a harsh assessment.

Is "was a complete failure" too harsh for professional communication?

In some professional settings, "was a complete failure" may be perceived as too blunt. Consider alternatives like "proved entirely fruitless" or "did not yield positive results" to soften the criticism while still conveying the lack of success.