Unfortunate decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Unfortunate decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a choice or action that has negative consequences or outcomes. Example: "The board's choice to cut funding for the project was an unfortunate decision that led to many missed opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unfortunate decision from a good referee leads to Neymar converting, barely, from the spot.

The New York Times - Sports

Then, in an unfortunate decision, Sediri began to enjoy himself.

The Washington Post

The Borough President's unfortunate decision also gives new fuel to Mr. Spitzer's campaign.

The New York Times

That was a fortunate decision or an unfortunate decision, depending on how you look at it.

The New York Times - Arts

The administration should rethink its policies, and the Supreme Court should reverse yesterday's unfortunate decision.

The New York Times

Two of the terraces became green roofs and Shigematsu admits "that was an unfortunate decision".

The Guardian - Arts

"It was an unfortunate decision," Coelho said of the referee's awarding of the penalty kick.

The New York Times - Sports

Insisting that expansion must go ahead, IoD spokesman Alistair Tebbit said: "This is a very unfortunate decision.

Independent

"It's at the very least an unfortunate decision that will embolden the regime and prolong the suffering," he said.

The New York Times

Now, as then, the unfortunate decision of the Chief Rabbinate brings an unnecessary cleavage in Jewish life.

The New York Times

Grant Hill called the firing a tough, unfortunate decision for a coach who did the best job he could".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unfortunate decision", provide context to explain why the decision is considered unfortunate. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "unfortunate decision" as a generic descriptor. Always specify the negative consequences or the reasoning behind the assessment to provide a more compelling analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfortunate decision" functions as a descriptor, specifically an adjective + noun combination, used to qualify a decision as having negative consequences or being undesirable. Ludwig AI's analysis and the examples provided showcase its role in expressing disapproval or regret regarding a specific choice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Sports

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Arts

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unfortunate decision" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a choice that has resulted in negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonyms like "regrettable choice" or "ill-advised action" exist, "unfortunate decision" maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. To enhance writing, always provide context when using this phrase to clarify the reasoning behind the assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unfortunate choice

Synonymous but places more emphasis on the act of choosing.

Regrettable choice

Emphasizes the feeling of regret associated with the decision.

Lamentable decision

Implies a strong feeling of sorrow or regret about the decision.

Ill-advised action

Highlights the lack of wisdom or foresight in the action taken.

Poor judgment

Focuses on the lack of good sense in making the decision.

Disastrous call

Emphasizes the catastrophic outcome resulting from the decision.

Unwise move

Suggests the decision was not practical or sensible.

Grievous error

Highlights the severity and damaging consequences of the decision.

Mistaken course of action

Indicates the decision led to an incorrect or erroneous path.

Suboptimal selection

Suggests a less than ideal choice was made.

FAQs

How can I use "unfortunate decision" in a sentence?

You can use "unfortunate decision" to describe a choice that led to negative outcomes. For instance, "The company's decision to cut funding was an unfortunate decision that impacted project timelines."

What are some alternatives to saying "unfortunate decision"?

You can use alternatives like "regrettable choice", "ill-advised action", or "poor judgment" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "unfortunate decision" or "unfortunate event"?

"Unfortunate decision" refers specifically to a choice made that had negative consequences, while "unfortunate event" refers to an occurrence or incident that is undesirable. They are used in different contexts.

What's the difference between "unfortunate decision" and "mistake"?

While both imply something went wrong, "unfortunate decision" emphasizes the judgmental aspect of a choice leading to a bad outcome. "Mistake" is a broader term that can include unintentional errors.