an unfortunate beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unfortunate beginning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that started poorly or had negative consequences from the outset. Example: "The project faced numerous challenges from the start, leading to what many considered an unfortunate beginning."

✓ Grammatically correct

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The Washington Post

There's an unfortunate moment at the beginning of The Perfect Storm, Wolfgang Petersen's disaster movie about the weather, based on the 1997 true-life bestseller by Sebastian Junger.

The Guardian - Film

The Creamfields festival on the old Liverpool airport site in Speke, now in its fifth year, had an unfortunate prelude when police began investigating corruption claims and arrested an organiser for allegedly bribing a council official.

The Guardian

The movie, which opens today at Landmark's Sunshine Cinema 139-1433 EaStreetston Street, Lower East Side), begins with an unfortunate deception.

The New York Times

A casual, ill-considered love song called "Slaveship" began with an unfortunate metaphor: "A slaveship, lost at sea/And I'm drowning, your water's deep".

The New York Times - Arts

Even in a state where political honeymoons are often perilously short, Bob Franks's campaign for New Jersey governor began with an unfortunate stroke of luck.

The New York Times

This coaching advice applied to the programme itself, which began with an unfortunate technical cock-up: the clock that counts down to the opening titles – intended to be seen only by the crew in the studio gallery – was inadvertently broadcast live to a national audience at the end of Countryfile.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"What began as an unfortunate event has ended in justice". Sink said the shop wants to move forward.

Los Angeles Times

Asked by Lester Holt to explain his remark that Clinton did not have the look of a president, he said that she lacked stamina -- an unfortunate remark from man who was beginning to resemble a beached flounder.

Huffington Post

But about this time he began to indulge an unfortunate tendency to magnify his own accomplishments, to embroider his statements, and in time to become convinced that his extravagances were bona fide facts.

University of Chicago

Although it was an unfortunate situation to be in, it was the beginning of a new journey for the shop.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an unfortunate beginning", ensure the context clearly establishes the negative consequences or implications that arose from that initial phase. Provide specific examples to illustrate the misfortune.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the long-term effects of "an unfortunate beginning". While it sets a negative tone, it doesn't necessarily predetermine the ultimate outcome. Ensure your language reflects a realistic assessment of the situation's trajectory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unfortunate beginning" functions as a noun phrase, with "unfortunate" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "beginning". According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English. It serves to characterize the initial phase of an event or situation as unfavorable or marked by negative circumstances.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unfortunate beginning" is a grammatically sound phrase used to depict an unfavorable start to a situation or event. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. While versatile across various contexts, its frequency is currently low, as per the data. Semantically, it aligns with phrases like "a regrettable start" or "an inauspicious start". When employing this phrase, ensure that the ensuing context effectively illustrates the negative implications stemming from that initial phase, while avoiding overstatements about its long-term impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a regrettable start

Focuses on the feeling of regret associated with the start, rather than the inherent misfortune.

an inauspicious start

Uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the ill-omened nature of the commencement.

a bad start

A simpler and more direct way of saying the beginning was not good.

a difficult start

Highlights the challenges faced right from the start, focusing on the hardship.

an unlucky beginning

Emphasizes the lack of luck involved in the initial phase.

an ill-fated commencement

A more dramatic and literary way to describe a beginning doomed to failure.

a troubled start

Indicates that the beginning was marked by problems and difficulties.

a rocky start

Suggests a beginning filled with instability and potential problems.

a flawed start

Focuses on the imperfections or mistakes made right from the beginning.

a shaky start

Implies a lack of confidence or stability at the outset.

FAQs

How can I use "an unfortunate beginning" in a sentence?

You can use "an unfortunate beginning" to describe situations where the initial phase was characterized by setbacks or negative events. For example, "The project faced numerous challenges from the start, leading to an unfortunate beginning".

What are some alternatives to "an unfortunate beginning"?

You can use alternatives like "a regrettable start", "an inauspicious start", or "a bad start" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "an unfortunate beginning"?

Yes, "an unfortunate beginning" is grammatically correct. "Unfortunate" is an adjective modifying the noun "beginning".

What's the difference between "an unfortunate beginning" and "a promising start"?

"An unfortunate beginning" describes a negative or unfavorable initial phase, while "a promising start" describes a positive and favorable initial phase.