un sombre progrès
a sombre progress
Use this phrase to describe a 'step forward' that feels like a step in the wrong direction.
Em 15 segundos
- Progress that feels more like a step into the dark.
- A skeptical way to describe a modern 'improvement' or change.
- Advancement that brings worry, sadness, or negative consequences to people.
Significado
This phrase describes an advancement or development that has a negative or depressing side. It implies that while things are moving forward, the cost or the result is quite gloomy.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Discussing social media
Vendre ses données pour une appli gratuite, c'est un sombre progrès.
Selling your data for a free app is a sombre progress.
Talking about city changes
Encore un centre commercial ? C'est un sombre progrès pour notre village.
Another shopping mall? It's a sombre progress for our village.
Texting about a work update
Nouveau bureau, mais plus de fenêtres... un sombre progrès !
New office, but no more windows... a sombre progress!
Contexto cultural
This expression reflects the French intellectual tradition of 'esprit critique,' where progress is rarely accepted without questioning its social or moral cost. It became particularly relevant during the industrial and digital revolutions as a way to critique rapid urbanization and the loss of traditional lifestyle. It highlights a cultural preference for quality of life over mere technological speed.
The Sarcastic Sigh
To sound truly French, deliver this phrase with a slight shrug and a sigh. It emphasizes your intellectual disapproval.
Don't over-use it
If you use it for every small problem, you will sound like a 'râleur' (a chronic complainer). Save it for real issues.
Em 15 segundos
- Progress that feels more like a step into the dark.
- A skeptical way to describe a modern 'improvement' or change.
- Advancement that brings worry, sadness, or negative consequences to people.
What It Means
Imagine a new technology that makes life easier but destroys the planet. That is un sombre progrès. It is progress, yes, but it feels heavy. It is an advancement with a dark shadow attached to it. You are acknowledging that a change happened. However, you are also saying that this change is not entirely good.
How To Use It
You use it just like a normal noun phrase. You can say "C'est un sombre progrès pour l'humanité." It sounds a bit dramatic and very French. It shows you are thinking deeply about the consequences. You can use it as a standalone comment. Just sigh and say it when you see a bad change. It works well in both speech and writing.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing news or big global changes. Use it when a "solution" creates a new, worse problem. It is perfect for environmental debates or tech discussions. Use it when a friend gets a promotion but loses all free time. It fits any situation where "better" actually feels a bit "worse."
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that are just plain bad. If you lose your keys, that isn't progress at all. Also, avoid using it for minor inconveniences. If the bakery is out of bread, that is not un sombre progrès. Keep it for things that are supposed to be improvements. If the "improvement" makes you feel uneasy, use it.
Cultural Background
French people are famous for their critical thinking. They do not just accept new things because they are "new." This phrase captures that spirit of intellectual skepticism. It is about looking beneath the surface of success. France values its history and traditions very deeply. They often worry that modern life moves too fast. This expression reflects that national mood perfectly.
Common Variations
You might hear un triste progrès for something specifically sad. Some people say une avancée inquiétante for a worrying step forward. You could also use un progrès amer for a bitter advancement. All of these carry a similar weight of disappointment. They all suggest that the "future" looks a little bit dark.
Notas de uso
This phrase is excellent for A2 learners looking to sound more sophisticated. It bridges the gap between basic descriptions and nuanced social commentary.
The Sarcastic Sigh
To sound truly French, deliver this phrase with a slight shrug and a sigh. It emphasizes your intellectual disapproval.
Don't over-use it
If you use it for every small problem, you will sound like a 'râleur' (a chronic complainer). Save it for real issues.
The 'Lumières' Connection
French culture is built on the Enlightenment (Les Lumières), which worshipped progress. Using 'sombre' is a clever way to subvert that history.
Exemplos
6Vendre ses données pour une appli gratuite, c'est un sombre progrès.
Selling your data for a free app is a sombre progress.
Highlights the hidden cost of 'free' modern technology.
Encore un centre commercial ? C'est un sombre progrès pour notre village.
Another shopping mall? It's a sombre progress for our village.
Used to lament the loss of local charm to modernization.
Nouveau bureau, mais plus de fenêtres... un sombre progrès !
New office, but no more windows... a sombre progress!
A sarcastic way to complain about a 'better' office.
L'intelligence artificielle sans éthique est un sombre progrès.
Artificial intelligence without ethics is a sombre progress.
Expresses a serious concern about technological development.
Un frigo qui parle mais qui est vide ? Sombre progrès.
A fridge that talks but is empty? Sombre progress.
Pokes fun at useless high-tech inventions.
Perdre nos traditions pour la vitesse est un sombre progrès.
Losing our traditions for speed is a sombre progress.
A philosophical take on the cost of modern life.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence to express skepticism about a new, noisy highway.
Cette nouvelle autoroute est un ___ progrès pour le calme du quartier.
`Sombre` adds the necessary negative nuance to the word 'progress' in this context.
Choose the correct phrase to describe a technology that monitors employees.
La surveillance des employés par caméra est un ___.
This fits the context of a development that feels invasive and negative.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'Un Sombre Progrès'
Rarely used in slang, but works for sarcastic texts.
Sombre progrès, non ?
Perfect for daily debates and news discussions.
C'est un sombre progrès.
Common in literature and political essays.
Nous assistons à un sombre progrès.
When to use 'Un Sombre Progrès'
Environmental Issues
Building on green spaces.
Technology
Apps that track everything.
Urban Planning
Demolishing old landmarks.
Workplace
Automation replacing friends.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, it means progress is happening, but the results are negative or depressing. It is about the quality of the change, not the speed.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a newspaper article like Le Monde.
Yes, but usually in a sarcastic way. For example, if you get a new car that uses too much gas: C'est un sombre progrès.
Sombre is more about a gloomy mood or atmosphere. Noir is just the color black.
It is a common collocation. These are words that French speakers naturally put together to express this specific idea.
Yes, but putting sombre before the noun makes it sound more poetic and emphasizes the emotion.
Yes, if you want to point out the hidden risks of a new strategy. It shows you are being cautious.
If the sequel has better graphics but a terrible story, it is a perfect sombre progrès.
No, it is strictly about modern developments that feel 'dark' in their consequences.
You could say un progrès éclatant (a brilliant progress) or une belle avancée (a beautiful step forward).
Frases relacionadas
Le revers de la médaille
À double tranchant
Un cadeau empoisonné
Une victoire à la Pyrrhus
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