an unfortunate error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unfortunate error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mistake that has negative consequences or is regrettable. Example: "The report was delayed due to an unfortunate error in the data entry process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"It's an unfortunate error on our part," Mr. Carden said.

The New York Times

It was all an unfortunate error and I, for one, find the company's explanation totally convincing.

The New York Times - Food

"The reprinting of this letter was an unfortunate error in judgment," Father Kelly wrote.

The New York Times

It is an unfortunate error that mars an otherwise enjoyable book.Both these books have a market.

The Economist

As the fog of their chaotic entry lifted, the officers realized it had been an unfortunate error.

The Washington Post

The document was then hurriedly withdrawn – its release, the Foreign Office said, had been an unfortunate error.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

In an open letter sent on Saturday to scientists that prepared the 2007 report from IPCC working group two (WG2), which has been the focus of criticism, Parry says: "What began with a single unfortunate error over Himalayan glaciers has become a clamour without substance".

The Guardian

Townsend said although the copying and pasting was a "very unfortunate error" by the FCA, he could find no evidence that the regulator had deliberately set out to mislead Wilson.

The Guardian - Business

With so many pieces of hardware available in the company's current lineup, that would be an understandable and unfortunate error.

The Guardian - Tech

We should have referred to Nazi gas chambers and crematoria in Poland, a distinction we have been asked to make, understandably, on a previous occasion". This unfortunate error has great resonance, particularly in Poland.

The Guardian

Policy appears to have swerved off the news agenda since Brown made the unfortunate error of having a private word on a very public piece of technology.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an unfortunate error" when you want to express regret or acknowledge the negative impact of a mistake, without necessarily assigning blame.

Common error

Avoid using "an unfortunate error" as a way to deflect responsibility. While it acknowledges the mistake, directly stating who made the error and what steps are being taken to correct it demonstrates greater accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unfortunate error" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a particular instance of a mistake that carries negative implications. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable grammar.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an unfortunate error" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a mistake that has negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in written English. With numerous examples from reputable news sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it's clear that this phrase is suitable for formal and neutral contexts. When using this phrase, consider whether you also need to take accountability by stating directly who made the error and what steps are being taken to correct it. While alternatives such as "a regrettable mistake" and "an ill-fated mistake" exist, "an unfortunate error" offers a balance of formality and acknowledgment of the negative impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a regrettable mistake

Replaces "unfortunate error" with simpler synonyms maintaining a negative connotation.

an ill-fated mistake

Substitutes "unfortunate" with "ill-fated", emphasizing a negative outcome.

a damaging mistake

Emphasizes the harm caused by the mistake.

a lamentable oversight

Replaces both words, focusing on the aspect of something being overlooked.

a costly blunder

Highlights the expense or price paid due to the mistake.

a regrettable lapse

Uses "lapse" instead of "error", suggesting a temporary failure in judgment or performance.

a painful mistake

Emphasizes emotional distress caused by the mistake.

a calamitous slip-up

Emphasizes the disastrous nature of the mistake.

an unhappy incident

Shifts the focus from the error itself to the negative event it caused.

an unfavorable event

Moves away from the concept of error to the event itself having negative implications.

FAQs

What does "an unfortunate error" mean?

The phrase "an unfortunate error" describes a mistake or error that has negative consequences or is regrettable. It acknowledges that something went wrong and that it's caused some degree of unhappiness or difficulty.

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

You can use "an unfortunate error" to describe various situations where a mistake led to negative outcomes. For example, "The project was delayed due to "an unfortunate error" in the data entry process", or "An unfortunate error led to the cancellation of the event".

What can I say instead of "an unfortunate error"?

You can use alternatives like "a regrettable mistake", "an ill-fated mistake", or "a lamentable oversight" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "unfortunate error" or "unfortunate mistake"?

Both "unfortunate error" and "unfortunate mistake" are correct and convey essentially the same meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific context. "Mistake" might be slightly more common in everyday conversation, while "error" might be used in more formal or technical contexts.