an unbearable situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unbearable situation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a circumstance that is extremely difficult or intolerable to endure. Example: "After weeks of constant arguments and tension, living in that house had become an unbearable situation for her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It's an unbearable situation.

The Guardian

I mean, it's not an unbearable situation.

The New York Times

For Tippett the boy symbolized the plight of the persecuted individual who reacts with violence against an unbearable situation.

The New York Times - Arts

It was an unbearable situation, and, after a while, I had to accept that he wasn't able to make this choice, and I needed to".

The New Yorker

A tense, mysterious dramatic two-hander from Russia: two men on an isolated meteorological research station in the Russian arctic find themselves in an unbearable situation.

The Guardian - Film

In March 1995 the Bosnian Serb president, Radovan Karadžić, ordered that the military "create an unbearable situation of total insecurity with no hope of further survival or life for the inhabitants of Srebrenica".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

These twins managed to make an awkward, untenable, sometimes unbearable situation work because they had to.

Huffington Post

UNWITTINGLY, Lauren Clementi got herself into an "unbearable" dorm situation.

The New York Times

It was considered schizophrenia, or, to some professionals who embraced the term "refrigerator mother," a deep-seated decision to closet consciousness from an unbearable family situation, including an emotionally frigid mother.

The New York Times

All interviewees had left what was for them an unbearable housing situation: one woman dealing with health issues needed an elevator, which she did not have at her old place, and two others broke up with their partners and therefore had to look for places on their own.

European Transport Research Review

The developer closed its offices on August 12 , 2009 stating that delayed payments from "too many publishers" caused "an unbearable cashflow situation," and referred to Fortress in a farewell note as an "unreleased masterpiece that [they] weren't allowed to finish".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "intolerable", "agonizing", or "insufferable" to add nuance and variety to your writing while maintaining the intended meaning of "an unbearable situation".

Common error

Avoid using "an unbearable situation" to describe minor inconveniences or slightly unpleasant circumstances. The phrase carries a strong connotation of severe distress or difficulty, and its misuse can diminish its impact when describing truly dire situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unbearable situation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a circumstance or condition that is extremely difficult or distressing to endure. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unbearable situation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes extremely difficult or distressing circumstances. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and general applicability. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, scientific research, and encyclopedic entries, reflecting its versatility in conveying severity and evoking empathy. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, it should be reserved for truly dire scenarios to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "an intolerable circumstance" or "a crushing ordeal" can provide nuanced expression, as well as help avoid the typical overuse of the expression itself. This phrase serves as a powerful tool for highlighting the gravity of a problem and prompting appropriate action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intolerable circumstance

Replaces 'situation' with 'circumstance' and 'unbearable' with 'intolerable', focusing on the lack of acceptance.

an agonizing predicament

Substitutes 'situation' with 'predicament' and 'unbearable' with 'agonizing', emphasizing the distress caused.

an insufferable state of affairs

Replaces "situation" with "state of affairs" and "unbearable" with "insufferable", conveying a sense of extreme unpleasantness.

a crushing ordeal

Uses 'crushing ordeal' to replace the original phrase, highlighting the overwhelming and difficult nature.

a harrowing experience

Replaces the original phrase emphasizing the distress and suffering involved.

a desperate plight

Substitutes with a phrase that highlights the urgency and severity of the situation.

a truly awful set of circumstances

Replaces the original phrase with a more descriptive expression emphasizing the negative nature of the situation.

a painful set of events

Changes "situation" to "set of events", focusing on the distressing quality of the happenings.

an extremely difficult set of conditions

Replaces the original phrase to illustrate difficulty in the conditions.

a completely unacceptable position

Changes "situation" to "position", highlighting the unacceptability of the overall circumstance.

FAQs

How can I use "an unbearable situation" in a sentence?

You can use "an unbearable situation" to describe circumstances that are extremely difficult or distressing. For example: "After weeks of constant arguments, living in that house had become "an unbearable situation" for her."

What are some alternatives to "an unbearable situation"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "an intolerable circumstance", "an agonizing predicament", or "a crushing ordeal" as alternatives to "an unbearable situation".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "an unbearable situation"?

It's appropriate to use "an unbearable situation" when describing circumstances that cause extreme difficulty, distress, or suffering. It should be reserved for situations that are genuinely intolerable.

Is "an unbearable situation" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "an unbearable situation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's crucial to consider the audience and ensure the tone aligns with the overall message and situation being described.