an unwelcome development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unwelcome development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or change that is not desired or is viewed negatively. Example: "The sudden increase in traffic congestion was seen as an unwelcome development by the residents of the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

There are some immutable ways in which Gustav is an unwelcome development for Republicans.

The New York Times

But not everyone in Georgia thinks the cold, dry weather is an unwelcome development.

The New York Times

This is an unwelcome development, particularly given the importance of Koroma's personal integrity and commitment to rule of law in encouraging greater investor and donor confidence.

The Guardian

The sealing of the case today came as an unwelcome development for some residents, who feared it would prevent the town from coming to terms with the case.

The New York Times

But analysts expect some migration if companies expand their head offices abroad over time — an unwelcome development as Britain suffers from an economic downturn.

The New York Times

The rumours around Wang Lijun's sudden disappearance from public life are an unwelcome development for his patron, Chongqing's ambitious party secretary, Bo Xilai.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

It described the mosque as a "most unwelcome development" in a statement issued last year that spoke of "the oppression of Christians and the reduced status of women under Islam" and of "militant Islamists or 'jihadists'jihadists

The Guardian

"It is a very unwelcome development indeed when a new government in effect Americanises Westminster politics," he said.

Independent

"It was a very unwelcome development in the midst of a fragile recovery," Mr. Horton said.

The New York Times

It is a very unwelcome development".

The New York Times

It loomed as a particularly unwelcome development for the combative chairman of the Democratic Party, Terry McAuliffe, who had singled out Mr. Bush as his No. 1 target of the campaign.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an unwelcome development", ensure that the context clearly establishes who or what finds the development unwelcome. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "an unwelcome development" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "a problem" or "bad news" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unwelcome development" functions as a noun phrase that describes a situation, event, or change that is considered undesirable or negative. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts to express disapproval or concern.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unwelcome development" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe negative situations or changes. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a common expression, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While versatile, consider its slightly formal tone and opt for simpler alternatives in casual settings. Remember to ensure clarity about who finds the development unwelcome. The most common sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist, reflecting its frequent use in reputable news and business publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unfortunate turn of events

Emphasizes the negative and unexpected nature of the situation.

a regrettable situation

Highlights the feeling of sorrow or disappointment associated with the event.

an undesirable outcome

Focuses on the negative result or consequence of an action or situation.

a setback

Implies a temporary delay or obstacle in progress.

a negative consequence

Directly points out the adverse effects of something.

a disappointing result

Highlights the feeling of unmet expectations.

a blight

Suggests a destructive or damaging influence.

a major problem

Underlines the significance and severity of the issue.

a source of concern

Indicates that the situation is worrying or alarming.

a blow

Implies a sudden and damaging event.

FAQs

How can I use "an unwelcome development" in a sentence?

You can use "an unwelcome development" to describe a situation or change that is not desired or is viewed negatively. For example: "The sudden increase in traffic congestion was seen as "an unwelcome development" by the residents of the area".

What are some alternatives to "an unwelcome development"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an unfortunate turn of events", "a regrettable situation", or "an undesirable outcome", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "an unwelcome development" in formal writing?

Yes, "an unwelcome development" is suitable for formal writing, such as news reports, academic papers, and business communications, where a more serious or objective tone is desired.

What's the difference between "an unwelcome development" and "a challenge"?

"An unwelcome development" typically implies a negative change or problem that is undesirable. "A challenge", on the other hand, suggests a difficult task or situation that requires effort to overcome, without necessarily being viewed as entirely negative. A challenge can be seen as an opportunity for growth, whereas "an unwelcome development" is more often seen as a setback.