an unfortunate start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unfortunate start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a beginning that is negative or problematic in some way. Example: "The project faced several challenges from the beginning, leading to an unfortunate start that set the tone for the rest of the work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It's an unfortunate start.

The Guardian - Music

What an unfortunate start to Hungary's first E.U. presidency.

The New York Times

But I was there to drink, and the St. Francis Cocktail was an unfortunate start.

The New York Times - Travel

In a hold note on Vodafone, Oriel Securities said: This is an unfortunate start for Vodafone's ownership of Kabel Deutschland.

The Guardian - Business

It is hard to avoid the conclusion that the new system of pension protection has got off to an unfortunate start.

The Economist

The row over the packaging of the new Commission for Equality and Human Rights with Labour sympathisers has been an unfortunate start.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Goes to Harry Redknapp for his unfortunate start to life as a Central Coast Mariners "football consultant", a role that apparently didn't extend to actually learning the club's name.

The Guardian - Sport

And I can think of no more unfortunate start to your new position (at a company you have liked working for) than for it to be known that your first act on being promoted was to apply for another job – which you then failed to get.

The Guardian - Money

Fortunately for him, the unfortunate start was soon forgotten, as Biggar created an opening for Leigh Halfpenny, who was supported by Sam Warburton.

The Guardian - Sport

With this unfortunate start over, the show was free to focus on building towards the announcement of the main prize, which always overshadows proceedings.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Her teachings are the unfortunate starting point for Christians in the third world and it is birthing even greater heresies.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an unfortunate start" to introduce a situation where initial conditions or events are unfavorable, setting a negative tone for what follows. This helps to manage expectations and provide context for subsequent challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "an unfortunate start" in situations that are merely inconvenient or mildly disappointing. Reserve it for scenarios where the initial setback has significant or potentially lasting consequences to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unfortunate start" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe a beginning that is negative or problematic. The phrase sets the stage for understanding subsequent events in a negative light.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unfortunate start" is a commonly used phrase to describe a negative or problematic beginning. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While alternatives like "inauspicious beginning" or "rocky start" offer nuanced variations, it’s important to reserve "an unfortunate start" for situations with significant or lasting consequences to maintain its impact. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, serving to express disappointment or concern about initial conditions, setting the stage for understanding subsequent events in a negative light.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inauspicious beginning

Replaces "unfortunate" with "inauspicious", emphasizing a bad omen or ill fortune.

bad start

Simplifies the phrase using more common and direct language.

poor start

Uses "poor" instead of "unfortunate" to indicate a substandard or deficient beginning.

difficult beginning

Substitutes "unfortunate" with "difficult", highlighting the challenging nature of the commencement.

unlucky beginning

Replaces "unfortunate" with "unlucky", focusing on the element of bad luck.

rocky start

Emphasizes the instability and difficulty of the initial phase.

troubled start

Highlights the problematic or disturbed nature of the beginning.

ill-fated start

Implies that the beginning is destined for failure or disaster.

unpromising start

Suggests that the beginning does not inspire confidence or hope for future success.

disadvantageous beginning

Indicates that the start is characterized by unfavorable conditions or circumstances.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "an unfortunate start" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "inauspicious beginning" or "disadvantageous beginning". These options provide a more sophisticated and less colloquial feel.

What are some synonyms for "an unfortunate start" that emphasize difficulty?

If you want to emphasize the challenging aspect of the beginning, try phrases such as "difficult beginning" or "troubled start". These highlight the problematic nature of the initial phase.

How does "an unfortunate start" differ from "a rocky start"?

"An unfortunate start" generally refers to bad luck or unfavorable circumstances at the beginning, whereas "a rocky start" specifically suggests instability and challenges that need to be overcome. The former is broader, while the latter is more specific about the nature of the problems.

When is it appropriate to use "an unfortunate start"?

Use "an unfortunate start" when describing a situation where the initial phase was negatively impacted by bad luck, poor circumstances, or other adverse conditions. It's suitable for setting the stage for subsequent difficulties or challenges that arose from the initial setback.