american tragedy, an: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowformal, literary, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “american tragedy, an” mean?
A disastrous event, often involving loss or suffering, which is characteristic of or occurs within the United States.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A disastrous event, often involving loss or suffering, which is characteristic of or occurs within the United States.
Often used to refer to a specific catastrophic event in U.S. history (e.g., the Kennedy assassination) or to broader societal failures perceived as quintessentially American (e.g., gun violence, systemic racism). It can also refer specifically to the 1925 novel *An American Tragedy* by Theodore Dreiser, which explores themes of social ambition and moral failure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase is inherently focused on the U.S., making it far more frequent and salient in American English. In British English, it is primarily used in discussions of U.S. affairs or Dreiser's novel.
Connotations
In American English, it evokes strong, often politicized, emotional and cultural resonance. In British English, its use is more detached, analytical, or specifically literary.
Frequency
Rare in general British English conversation; moderately low in American English, but spikes in political, historical, or cultural commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “american tragedy, an” in a Sentence
[Event/Story] is/was an American tragedy.The nation witnessed an American tragedy.It represents an American tragedy of [type].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically to describe a massive corporate or market failure with wider societal implications (e.g., 'The Enron scandal was an American tragedy of corporate greed').
Academic
Common in history, sociology, literature, and American studies to analyze significant events or cultural narratives.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Might be used hyperbolically for a personal story of extreme misfortune with a perceived 'American' element (e.g., medical bankruptcy).
Technical
Not used in scientific/technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “american tragedy, an”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “american tragedy, an”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “american tragedy, an”
- Using it for minor personal problems. ('My flat tyre was an American tragedy.')
- Capitalizing it when not referring directly to Dreiser's novel.
- Omitting the article: 'It was American tragedy.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it can specifically refer to Dreiser's 1925 novel, it is more commonly used as a descriptive phrase for real-life events that are seen as emblematic of profound failures in American society.
No, the phrase is specific to the United States. For other countries, you would use a similar construction (e.g., 'a Greek tragedy', 'a national tragedy').
It is quite formal and weighted. It is typical in journalism, academia, and serious cultural or political commentary. It is not used in casual, everyday speech.
'A tragedy' is a general term for a disastrous event. 'An American tragedy' specifies that the event is deeply intertwined with American culture, history, or societal structures, adding a layer of national critique or identity.
A disastrous event, often involving loss or suffering, which is characteristic of or occurs within the United States.
American tragedy, an: in British English it is pronounced /ən əˈmɛrɪkən ˈtrædʒədi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ən əˈmɛrɪkən ˈtrædʒədi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A tale of an American tragedy”
- “The making of an American tragedy”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the Statue of Liberty weeping over a history book titled 'An American Tragedy'. This links the symbol of America with the concept of a sad, significant story.
Conceptual Metaphor
AMERICA IS A STAGE FOR TRAGIC DRAMA. The nation's history/policies are the script, and its citizens are the characters doomed by a fatal flaw.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'an American tragedy' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?