a case of bad luck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a case of bad luck" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone experiences misfortune or an unfortunate event that is beyond their control. Example: "Missing the flight due to traffic was just a case of bad luck."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

She said it was a case of bad luck.

The New York Times

There have been so many injuries, all of a similar nature in such a short space of time, that it is unlikely to be a case of bad luck.

Independent

"I do feel, not hard done by, but it was a case of bad luck.

BBC

Until recently, scientists believed that patients picked up the microbe at random, from the soil or water making infection a case of bad luck.

Science Magazine

It was a case of bad luck, I thought when I could think again -a simple case of gravity compounding a fracture at 32 feet per second.

Huffington Post

The second "victim" of the curse was probably a case of bad luck on EA's part more than the player, as in 2000 Barry Sanders not only left the Detroit Lions but also unexpectedly retired from football completely.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

An individual case of bad luck?

The New York Times

A new report out this month from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development OECDD) makes it clearer than ever that this dynamic of workers falling behind is not some kind of statistical aberration or case of bad luck.

Vice

(By comparison, in cases of bad luck and natural disaster, the situation is simpler because the behavior of the weather, unlike the behavior of coercers, is unaffected by the incentives facing those who might be pressured into acting under its power).

SEP

Two old Javanese chronicles (babad) from the 18th century mention cases of bad luck associated with the monument.

Wikipedia

Instead, it is more a case of exceptionally bad luck.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a case of bad luck" to describe isolated incidents rather than ongoing patterns of misfortune. For recurring issues, consider phrases like "a string of bad luck" or "plagued by bad luck".

Common error

Avoid using "a case of bad luck" to excuse negligence or poor planning. The phrase implies circumstances beyond one's control, so ensure it accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a case of bad luck" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies or characterizes a situation as one involving misfortune. Ludwig confirms its proper usage, reflecting its role in describing unfortunate events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a case of bad luck" is a commonly used phrase to describe an unfortunate event attributed to chance rather than direct cause. Ludwig AI analysis confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. While versatile, remember to consider alternative phrases like "unfortunate incident" or "stroke of misfortune" for more formal writing. Ensure its use accurately reflects circumstances beyond control to avoid misattribution or excusing negligence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlucky situation

Directly points out the lack of favorable circumstances.

stroke of misfortune

Focuses on the unfortunate nature of the event, highlighting the adversity experienced.

unfavorable circumstances

Highlights the negative external conditions contributing to the misfortune.

unfortunate incident

Emphasizes the accidental and undesirable nature of the occurrence.

adverse event

A more formal way of describing an unfavorable occurrence.

tough break

An informal way of expressing disappointment and misfortune.

rotten luck

Highlights the extreme negativity and unpleasantness of the situation.

ill-fated event

Suggests a predetermined negative outcome or destiny.

hard luck story

Suggests a narrative of repeated misfortunes and struggles.

bad karma

Implies the misfortune is a consequence of past actions.

FAQs

How can I use "a case of bad luck" in a sentence?

You can use "a case of bad luck" to describe an isolated incident of misfortune. For example, "Missing the train was just "a case of bad luck", but it made me late for my meeting."

What are some alternatives to saying "a case of bad luck"?

Alternatives include "unfortunate incident", "stroke of misfortune", or "tough break". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "a case of bad luck" in formal writing?

While understandable, "a case of bad luck" leans towards informal. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "unfavorable circumstances" or "adverse event" to maintain a professional tone.

When is it more appropriate to say "a string of bad luck" instead of "a case of bad luck"?

"A case of bad luck" refers to a single incident. If someone experiences multiple misfortunes in a row, it's more accurate to describe it as "a string of bad luck", indicating a series of unfortunate events.