worse than expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worse than expected" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to having realized that something is worse than one had initially thought or anticipated. For example, "The results of the test were worse than expected, so we will have to put extra effort into improving the program's outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The company handily beat revenue expectations, but its losses were also worse than expected.

TechCrunch

The result was worse than expected.

The Economist

The figures were worse than expected.

The Economist

Its mortality rate is worse than expected.

The Guardian

The figure was worse than expected.

The New York Times

US jobs data are worse than expected.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

US Airways posted worse-than-expected losses as well yesterday.

The New York Times

Analysts argued that the worse-than-expected numbers would inspire economic stimulus from the government.

Independent

Morgan Stanley reported a worse-than-expected $159m loss from continuing operations.

The Economist

Istanbul suffered a 6.0% slide as worse-than-expected inflation figures worried traders.

The Economist

Google posted worse-than-expected earnings on Thursday.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "worse than expected" in business or financial contexts, follow it with specific data or metrics to quantify the discrepancy and provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "worse than expected" without providing context about what was expected and why the actual result was worse. This can lead to confusion and a lack of understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worse than expected" functions as a comparative expression. It is used to qualify a situation, result, or outcome, indicating that it is less desirable or of a lower standard than what was initially anticipated. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "worse than expected" is a commonly used and grammatically sound comparative expression that serves to highlight outcomes that have fallen short of initial anticipations. Ludwig AI confirms its usage and grammatical validity. Predominantly found in news, business, and scientific contexts, this phrase conveys disappointment or concern and prompts further examination of the factors contributing to the undesired outcome. When incorporating it into your writing, ensure clarity by providing context about the expectation and the specific reasons behind the discrepancy. By understanding the nuances of "worse than expected", you can effectively communicate the magnitude of unfavorable outcomes in a variety of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Poorer than expected

Replaces "worse" with "poorer", focusing on a lack of quality or resources.

Below expectations

A more concise way of saying something didn't meet the anticipated level.

Less favorable than anticipated

Uses more formal language to convey a similar meaning.

More disappointing than foreseen

Emphasizes the disappointment associated with the unexpected outcome.

Not as good as predicted

Focuses on the prediction aspect, highlighting the discrepancy between forecast and reality.

Failed to meet projections

Specifically used in business or financial contexts to describe unmet goals.

Subpar performance

A general term for performance that is below the expected standard.

Underperformed expectations

Highlights the act of performing below what was expected.

More dire than foreseen

Emphasizes a more severe or critical situation.

Turned out more negatively than anticipated

Focuses on the outcome being negative and beyond anticipation.

FAQs

How can I use "worse than expected" in a sentence?

You can use "worse than expected" to describe a situation or outcome that is less favorable than what was anticipated, such as: "The company's profits were "worse than expected" due to increased operating costs."

What phrases are similar to "worse than expected"?

Alternatives to "worse than expected" include "below expectations", "poorer than expected", or "less favorable than anticipated", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "more worse than expected"?

No, "more worse than expected" is grammatically incorrect. "Worse" is already the comparative form of "bad", so adding "more" is redundant. The correct phrase is simply ""worse than expected"".

What's the difference between "worse than expected" and "worse than projected"?

"Worse than expected" is a general comparison to any prior anticipation, while "worse than projected" specifically compares to a formal projection or forecast, often used in business or financial contexts.