bitter necessity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bitter necessity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where one must do something unpleasant or difficult out of obligation or need. Example: "Accepting the job offer was a bitter necessity, as I needed the income to support my family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Out of bitter necessity, Germany is making its peace with war.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There was bitter contention over how much was enough, and about the wisdom or necessity of small wars on the periphery, in places like Vietnam and Central America.

The New Yorker

But I'm worn out and tired, and I'm also bitter that the management is taking so long to understand the absolute necessity of restructuring the paper and the way it is run".

The Guardian

Because of the necessity of chemical intake, some chemical fluids likely would gain access to the VNO, despite containing irritating or bitter chemicals.

Plosone

"Bitter, bitter," Lance said.

The New Yorker

Social necessity.

The New York Times

Bitter cold.

Independent

Bitter Fruit.

The Economist

How bitter?

The New York Times - Tech

Necessity, almost".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Oh necessity!

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bitter necessity" when you want to convey that an action or decision is unpleasant but absolutely essential. It adds a layer of regret or resignation to the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "bitter necessity" to describe merely unfortunate events; it should specifically refer to actions or decisions taken out of unavoidable need, not just general bad luck.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitter necessity" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "bitter" modifies the noun "necessity". It describes a requirement or obligation that is unpleasant or unwelcome but unavoidable. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bitter necessity" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an unavoidable yet unpleasant situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples from various sources, mainly News & Media. While relatively rare, it effectively conveys a sense of resignation towards an unwelcome obligation. Related phrases include "unpleasant obligation" and "harsh reality", offering alternative ways to express similar sentiments. When using "bitter necessity", ensure it reflects a truly unavoidable situation, not just a general misfortune.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bitter obligation

This alternative focuses on the obligation with the need.

unwelcome necessity

This emphasizes that the need is unwanted or undesired.

painful need

This alternative emphasizes the emotional discomfort associated with the requirement.

unpleasant obligation

This phrase highlights the mandatory nature of something disagreeable.

harsh reality

This alternative focuses on the stark and often unwelcome truth of a situation.

grim requirement

This underscores the somber and unavoidable aspect of a demand.

difficult imperative

This emphasizes the challenging nature of a required action.

distasteful duty

Highlights the repulsive character of the obligation.

sad requirement

This alternative focuses on the sadness related with the need.

inescapable hardship

Emphasizes the unavoidable suffering or difficulty.

FAQs

What does "bitter necessity" mean?

It refers to a situation where something unpleasant or undesirable is unavoidable and must be accepted or done.

How can I use "bitter necessity" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a situation where someone is forced to make a difficult or unpleasant decision: "Accepting the lower salary was a "bitter necessity" because I needed the job."

What are some alternatives to "bitter necessity"?

Some alternatives include "unpleasant obligation", "harsh reality", or "painful need", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "bitter necessity" a common phrase?

No, it's a relatively uncommon phrase. While grammatically correct, simpler alternatives might be preferred for clarity or directness in certain contexts.