Enjoyed a windfall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Enjoyed a windfall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has received an unexpected gain, often in terms of money or resources. Example: "After selling his old car, he enjoyed a windfall that allowed him to take a much-needed vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Some fund managers took it in stride, acknowledging that they have enjoyed a windfall for a long time.

The New York Times

Yerkes enjoyed a windfall when in 1926 Texas banker William J. McDonald left a bequest to the University of Texas to build an observatory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The commission system was a bonanza for the agencies because, when media inflation increased and clients had to spend more on TV, the agencies enjoyed a windfall without actually having to do more work for it.

Forbes

She found the round to be quite helpful and enjoyed a windfall.

Los Angeles Times

The Rebels enjoyed a windfall between the seventh and 15th spots.

Los Angeles Times

One early PayPal investor who enjoyed a windfall from that venture says Musk's SpaceX faces huge challenges.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Naturally, Wall Street is enjoying a windfall.

The New York Times

Mr. Cuomo has asserted that the beverage industry enjoys a windfall and a bonanza under the bottle law.

The New York Times

The basic calculus of expensive oil still holds: exporters enjoy a windfall and importers bear a heavier burden.

The New York Times

Stock investors would also enjoy a windfall under earnings repatriation plans, but the lower the corporate tax rate, the greater the benefit.

The New York Times

An Alaska Native company, Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, has been a major force behind the push and stands to enjoy a windfall if drilling proceeds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "enjoyed a windfall" to describe situations where the benefit was unexpected and substantial, not just a minor gain. It adds emphasis to the element of surprise and the magnitude of the positive outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "enjoyed a windfall" when the gain was the direct result of planned efforts or investments. The phrase implies the benefit was largely due to luck or external factors, not strategic actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enjoyed a windfall" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the experience of receiving an unforeseen and substantial benefit. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is valid in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it describing sudden financial gains or unexpected advantages.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "enjoyed a windfall" is used to describe the experience of receiving an unexpected gain, often in financial terms. As Ludwig AI states, its usage is correct in written English. Analysis reveals that the phrase, as demonstrated by examples, appears most frequently in news and media, with neutral register and the purpose to highlight an element of surprise and good fortune. The related phrases such as "received an unexpected gain" or "came into a fortune unexpectedly" offer alternatives to express similar ideas, and it's important to use the phrase when the benefit was indeed unexpected rather than a result of planned efforts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Received an unexpected gain

Focuses on the reception of something positive without prior expectation.

Came into a fortune unexpectedly

Emphasizes the sudden and unplanned nature of acquiring wealth.

Profited unexpectedly

Highlights the gain of profit in an unforeseen manner.

Reaped unforeseen benefits

Suggests benefits were gained without prior planning or anticipation.

Had a stroke of good luck

Indicates a positive outcome was due to chance and fortune.

Experienced a sudden upturn

Highlights the positive shift or improvement that occurred rapidly.

Acquired unexpected assets

Focuses on the acquisition of valuable items or resources without prior intention.

Obtained unforeseen revenues

Highlights the unexpected generation of income or financial gains.

Benefited from an unforeseen advantage

Emphasizes that a positive outcome resulted from an unanticipated edge or opportunity.

Stumbled upon unexpected riches

Indicates the discovery of wealth or valuable assets through chance or accident.

FAQs

How can I use "enjoyed a windfall" in a sentence?

You can use "enjoyed a windfall" to describe an unexpected gain, often financial. For example, "The company "enjoyed a windfall" after its competitor closed down".

What can I say instead of "enjoyed a windfall"?

You can use alternatives like "received an unexpected gain", "came into a fortune unexpectedly", or "profited unexpectedly" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "enjoyed a windfall" and "received a bonus"?

"Enjoyed a windfall" implies an unexpected and often large gain, whereas "received a bonus" suggests a planned or expected reward, usually tied to performance.

Is it appropriate to use "enjoyed a windfall" in formal writing?

Yes, "enjoyed a windfall" can be used in formal writing, particularly in business or financial contexts, to describe unexpected financial gains. However, consider the audience and ensure the tone remains appropriate.