an unfortunate event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unfortunate event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or occurrence that is regrettable or causes distress. Example: "The cancellation of the concert was an unfortunate event for all the fans who had been looking forward to it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

He added, "I sincerely hope to avoid such an unfortunate event".

The New Yorker

It is not just that higher prices mean more to lose from an unfortunate event.

The New York Times - Arts

"It is an unfortunate event, but the City of New York did not cause it," he told the jury.

The New York Times

It means that if an unfortunate event happens, like an illness or an accident, the loan obligation is automatically reduced.

The New York Times

Study 2 utilized a between-subjects design and asked participants to generate their own counterfactuals in response to an unfortunate event.

Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes

In a statement, the hospital called the case an "unfortunate event" that "occurred as a result of a unique and unanticipated combination of issues".

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"This is a very unfortunate event," Peña Nieto said in a message from the French capital.

The Guardian

This is a most unfortunate event for which we are very sorry," he said.

The Guardian

For CloudFlare, which promises to keep its users' websites safe from attacks, this was clearly a rather unfortunate event.

TechCrunch

Use styrofoam over your toilet seat to avoid a rather unfortunate event from happening.

WikiHow

"This is a tragic and unfortunate event right in front of the doors of justice," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, follow with an explanation or action plan to demonstrate responsibility and a proactive approach to resolving the issue.

Common error

While "an unfortunate event" can be useful, avoid relying on it too heavily to obscure the true nature of a problem. Be direct and transparent when clarity is crucial, especially in formal or critical communications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unfortunate event" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a situation or occurrence that is regrettable or undesirable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and common occurrence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an unfortunate event" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a regrettable or undesirable occurrence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it finds application across a variety of contexts including news media, scientific literature, and academic writing. While alternatives such as "a regrettable incident" or "an unlucky circumstance" may be suitable substitutes depending on the specific context, it's important to consider the desired level of formality and the specific nuances of each phrase. When using "an unfortunate event", be mindful of overusing euphemisms, and strive for clarity and transparency in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a regrettable incident

Focuses specifically on the incident aspect, implying a more contained and defined occurrence.

a regrettable situation

Highlights the feeling of regret associated with the occurrence, focusing on the emotional aspect.

an unlucky circumstance

Emphasizes the role of chance or fate in the negative occurrence.

an adverse development

Implies a negative turn of events, often in a professional or business context.

an undesirable outcome

Focuses on the negative result or consequence of a particular action or situation.

a distressing episode

Highlights the emotional impact of the event, causing worry, anxiety, or suffering.

a calamitous situation

Suggests a more severe and disastrous event with far-reaching consequences.

an ill-fated incident

Implies that the event was destined to happen and carry a negative connotation.

a tragic occurrence

Indicates a deeply sorrowful and impactful event, often involving loss or suffering.

a setback

Describes a temporary impediment or delay in progress, often in achieving a goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "an unfortunate event" to describe something negative that has happened. For example, "The factory closure was "an unfortunate event" for the town's economy".

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

Alternatives to "an unfortunate event" include "a regrettable incident", "an unlucky circumstance", or "an adverse development", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "an unfortunate event" or "a tragic event"?

The choice depends on the severity. "An unfortunate event" is suitable for less severe occurrences, while "a tragic event" should be reserved for situations involving significant loss or suffering.

What's the difference between "an unfortunate event" and "a mistake"?

"An unfortunate event" describes a negative occurrence, which may or may not be caused by human error. "A mistake" refers specifically to an error in judgment or action. For example, the accident could be considered "an unfortunate event", but the cause of the accident could have been a pilot's mistake.