That's unfortunate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "That's unfortunate" is an appropriate and commonly used expression in written English.
It is used to express sympathy or regret in response to a negative event or situation. For example: "I'm sorry to hear that you didn't get the job you wanted." "That's unfortunate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"That's unfortunate, but it's the best we can do," Deirdre DeAngelis, New Dorp's principal, said.

The New York Times

"That's unfortunate," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's unfortunate for individual companies.

The New Yorker

"That's unfortunate," Mr. Harshbarger said.

The New York Times

That's unfortunate for the poor fella.

The Guardian - Sport

"That's unfortunate," the State Department official said.

The New York Times - Science

"That's unfortunate for Jeff," Arena said.

The New York Times - Sports

That's unfortunate, indeed unforgivable, but it's done.

The New York Times

That's unfortunate, but we should expect more out of ourselves.

The New York Times - Sports

That's unfortunate, but that's just the way society is.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's unfortunate, because he left a lot of guys out.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "That's unfortunate" to express empathy or mild disappointment in response to negative news or situations. It's a versatile phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on "That's unfortunate" in highly formal or professional communications. While acceptable, it can sometimes sound passive or dismissive. Opt for more specific and nuanced expressions of concern when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "That's unfortunate" functions as an exclamatory expression of sympathy or disappointment. It is commonly used as a direct response to bad news or an unfavorable situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase expresses sympathy or regret.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "That's unfortunate" is a common and versatile expression used to convey mild regret or sympathy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it might be perceived as somewhat dismissive in deeply serious situations, where more direct expressions of empathy are preferable. The phrase is suitable for everyday conversations and many professional settings, offering a simple yet effective way to acknowledge someone's misfortune. Numerous examples in Ludwig demonstrate its widespread use in responding to negative news or disappointments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

That's a pity

Emphasizes a sense of sorrow or regret about a situation.

That's regrettable

Highlights the undesirable nature of a situation, focusing on the action or event itself.

It's a shame

Expresses disappointment or disapproval, often implying a loss or missed opportunity.

That's too bad

A more casual expression of sympathy or disappointment.

What a disappointment

Focuses specifically on the feeling of disillusionment or unfulfilled expectation.

That's a letdown

Implies a lowering of spirits or morale due to an unfavorable outcome.

That's disheartening

Emphasizes the loss of courage or enthusiasm resulting from the event.

It's a crying shame

Intensifies the feeling of regret, suggesting a deeply unfortunate situation.

That's a real shame

Adds emphasis to the disappointment, stressing the significance of the unfortunate event.

That's a damn shame

More informal expression of pity and regret.

FAQs

How can I use "That's unfortunate" in a sentence?

"That's unfortunate" is typically used as a standalone response to a piece of bad news or a disappointing situation. For example, if someone tells you they lost their job, you could reply, "That's unfortunate. I'm sorry to hear that."

What are some alternatives to "That's unfortunate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "that's a pity", "that's regrettable", or "it's a shame" to express similar sentiments.

Is "That's unfortunate" formal or informal?

"That's unfortunate" falls somewhere in the middle. It's generally considered neutral and can be used in most situations, though more formal settings might benefit from a more nuanced expression of sympathy.

When is it inappropriate to use "That's unfortunate"?

While versatile, using "That's unfortunate" might seem dismissive if the situation is extremely serious or requires a more heartfelt expression of concern. In such cases, showing more direct empathy is preferable.