Signification
Something certain to fail.
Contexte culturel
In Greek political discourse, this phrase is a 'weapon'. It is used to delegitimize an opponent's proposal by framing it as logically impossible rather than just a bad idea. Similar to Greece, but often used in the context of the 'Cyprus Problem' (the political division of the island) to describe failed rounds of negotiations. The legalistic tone of the phrase reflects the deep influence of Roman and Byzantine law on the Greek language, where formal 'sentences' were a part of daily life. Journalists love this phrase because it creates a sense of drama and urgency. It's a 'clickbait' phrase in Greek headlines.
Use it in Essays
If you are taking the C1/C2 Greek exam, use this phrase in your essay to describe a social problem. It scores high marks for 'sophisticated vocabulary'.
Watch the Gender!
Always check if your subject is masculine (ο), feminine (η), or neuter (το). This is the most common error for advanced learners.
Signification
Something certain to fail.
Use it in Essays
If you are taking the C1/C2 Greek exam, use this phrase in your essay to describe a social problem. It scores high marks for 'sophisticated vocabulary'.
Watch the Gender!
Always check if your subject is masculine (ο), feminine (η), or neuter (το). This is the most common error for advanced learners.
Don't be too negative
While Greeks use this often, using it too much in a social setting can make you seem like a 'γκρινιάρης' (grumbler/complainer).
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the participle 'καταδικασμένος'.
Η νέα πολιτική της κυβέρνησης είναι ________ σε αποτυχία.
The subject 'πολιτική' is feminine singular, so the participle must be 'καταδικασμένη'.
Which preposition is correct in this idiom?
Το σχέδιο είναι καταδικασμένο ___ αποτυχία.
The idiom always uses the preposition 'σε'.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the phrase.
Which situation best fits 'καταδικασμένο σε αποτυχία'?
The phrase is used for fundamental, inevitable failures.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
Α: Πιστεύεις ότι η ειρήνη θα κρατήσει; Β: Όχι, χωρίς δικαιοσύνη, η ειρήνη είναι ________________.
Peace (ειρήνη) is feminine, and the preposition must be 'σε'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal Failure
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΗ νέα πολιτική της κυβέρνησης είναι ________ σε αποτυχία.
The subject 'πολιτική' is feminine singular, so the participle must be 'καταδικασμένη'.
Το σχέδιο είναι καταδικασμένο ___ αποτυχία.
The idiom always uses the preposition 'σε'.
Which situation best fits 'καταδικασμένο σε αποτυχία'?
The phrase is used for fundamental, inevitable failures.
Α: Πιστεύεις ότι η ειρήνη θα κρατήσει; Β: Όχι, χωρίς δικαιοσύνη, η ειρήνη είναι ________________.
Peace (ειρήνη) is feminine, and the preposition must be 'σε'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it's very harsh. 'Είναι καταδικασμένος σε αποτυχία' implies the person will never succeed in life. Use it for their *actions* instead to be more polite.
Both are grammatically correct, but 'σε αποτυχία' is the standard idiomatic form. Adding 'την' makes it sound slightly more specific.
No, it's fine for serious conversations with friends, but it would be weird if used for something funny or lighthearted.
There isn't a single opposite idiom, but you could say 'είναι εγγυημένη η επιτυχία' (success is guaranteed).
Yes! You can say 'καταδικασμένος σε θάνατο' (sentenced to death) or 'καταδικασμένος στη μοναξιά' (doomed to loneliness).
Usually, but you can use 'μοιάζει' (looks like) or 'θεωρείται' (is considered) for variety.
Absolutely. It is a staple of Greek business analysis and risk assessment.
You can just say 'θα αποτύχει σίγουρα' (it will fail for sure).
Yes, 'δικαστήριο' is the court. Both come from 'δίκη' (justice/trial).
Yes: 'Ήταν καταδικασμένο σε αποτυχία' (It was doomed to failure).
Expressions liées
εκ των προτέρων
builds onFrom the outset / beforehand
θνησιγενές
synonymStillborn
χωρίς αντίκρισμα
similarWithout value / empty
πέφτω στο κενό
similarTo fall into a void
