bitter situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bitter situation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a scenario that is unpleasant or difficult, often involving feelings of disappointment or resentment. Example: "The team's loss in the final match was a bitter situation for all the players and their fans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Still the bitter situation became more confused.

The New York Times

"We will learn lessons from this bitter situation.

The New York Times

Deliverance from my bitter situation finally came when our unit moved into active combat on the Eastern front in 1941.

The New Yorker

His music and his lyrics express the bitter situation of my generation, and they represent the society we live in".

The New York Times

The bitter situation in the South before these landmark pieces of legislation is spelled out clearly, in a way that will open many old wounds for those of us who lived through that era.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He urged Eisenhower to "stay out of this bitter racial situation that is developing".

Huffington Post

"This year, what I'm saying is stop and think about the bitter bitterness of the January situation," Coughlin said.

The New York Times - Sports

But teammates say Foley is bitter about his situation.

The New York Times - Sports

German citizens, not only those from the East, are angry and bitter about this situation.

The New York Times - Sports

The women became bitter enemies, a situation further aggravated by the custody arrangement for Evan, which called for him to spend alternating weeks in each parent's house.

The New York Times - Style

EXTRA POINTS Quarterback RAY LUCAS, who became the odd man out when AL GROH declared the rookie CHAD PENNINGTON the quarterback of the future, said he was not bitter about his situation.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "bitter situation", be specific about the source or cause of the bitterness. Providing context helps the reader understand the depth and complexity of the situation.

Common error

While "bitter situation" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound melodramatic. Opt for more nuanced synonyms like "difficult predicament" or "unfortunate circumstance" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitter situation" functions as a noun phrase, where "bitter" modifies the noun "situation". It describes a specific type of situation characterized by negativity and disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bitter situation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe negative or unpleasant circumstances, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, consider the specific nuances you wish to convey and whether a more formal or nuanced alternative might be more appropriate. Remember to be specific about the cause of the bitterness to provide context for your reader. Overusing this specific phrase in more formal writing could make your content feel overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunate circumstance

Emphasizes the element of bad luck or chance.

harsh reality

Highlights the severe and unforgiving nature of the situation.

difficult predicament

Highlights the challenging and problematic nature of the situation.

grim reality

Focuses on the harsh and unpleasant aspects of the situation.

unhappy state of affairs

Describes the situation as generally undesirable or regrettable.

distressing case

Highlights the emotional impact and worry caused by the situation.

adverse conditions

Focuses on the negative external factors contributing to the situation.

unfavorable outlook

Emphasizes the negative expectations or predictions for the future.

troublesome plight

Focuses on the suffering and difficulty experienced in the situation.

unpleasant dilemma

Highlights the difficult choice or problem that the situation presents.

FAQs

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

You can use "bitter situation" to describe a circumstance filled with disappointment or resentment. For example, "The team's defeat created a "bitter situation" among the players".

What are some alternatives to "bitter situation"?

Alternatives include "unfortunate circumstance", "difficult predicament", or "grim reality", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "bitter situation" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "bitter situation" can sound somewhat dramatic in formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "challenging situation" or "difficult circumstance" to maintain a professional tone.

What makes a situation "bitter"?

A "bitter situation" typically involves feelings of disappointment, resentment, or regret, often stemming from an undesirable outcome or circumstance. It implies a lingering sense of negativity or hardship.