disappointing news

USAGE SUMMARY

"disappointing news" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to convey that something is disappointing or not meeting expectations. Example: The teacher delivered the disappointing news that our field trip had been canceled due to bad weather.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Disappointing news, especially given Apple's implementation of this on the new iPhones.

Forbes

Well, this is disappointing news.

Harvard University

This is obviously disappointing news.

The Guardian - Opinion

Le Guin brushed away this disappointing news.

The Guardian - Books

But that good news hides some rather more disappointing news.

The Economist

— Chris Smith's training camp ended Wednesday with disappointing news.

The New York Times

On July 5, 2004, Pfizer's China team received disappointing news.

Harvard Business Review

Friday's jobs report comes after a week of disappointing news.

The Guardian - Business

But he found solace in what he called disappointing news.

The New York Times

Women across south-east Asia faced disappointing news.

The Guardian

Ending the trial was not the only disappointing news Lilly received on Tuesday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disappointing news" as a lead-in to explain complex situations. Provide context and background to ensure the audience understands the full scope of the issue, preventing misinterpretations and fostering informed discussions.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "disappointing news" without elaborating on what makes the news disappointing. Always provide specific details to avoid ambiguity and ensure clear communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disappointing news" functions as a subject complement or adjectival modifier. It describes the quality or nature of the 'news', indicating that it causes disappointment. Ludwig's examples confirm its role in conveying unfavorable information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disappointing news" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for communicating unfavorable information across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showing its usage in media, business, and academia. While generally neutral, the delivery should be tailored to the audience, and it's often beneficial to provide context and potential solutions. Alternatives like "unfortunate update" or "grim report" can be used depending on the nuance required. Source authority analysis underlines its widespread use in mainstream media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunate update

Replaces 'news' with 'update', implying a more specific piece of information.

discouraging announcement

Highlights the discouraging nature of a public or formal notification.

grim report

Highlights the negative content of a formal account or statement.

unwelcome development

Focuses on the unfolding of events being unfavorable.

challenging revelation

Emphasizes the difficulty or adversity brought about by the revealed information.

depressing information

Emphasizes the emotional impact of the information being shared.

negative intelligence

Suggests information gathered that is unfavorable or detrimental.

bad tidings

Uses a more archaic and dramatic term for 'news', suggesting significant negativity.

pessimistic forecast

Focuses on negative predictions about the future.

bleak outlook

Shifts the focus to a pessimistic forecast or expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "disappointing news" in a sentence?

You can use "disappointing news" to introduce or describe unfavorable information. For example, "The company delivered the "disappointing news" that profits were down this quarter" or "Despite the "disappointing news", the team remains optimistic."

What are some alternatives to saying "disappointing news"?

Alternatives include "unfortunate update", "grim report", or "unwelcome development". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it better to be direct or indirect when delivering "disappointing news"?

While transparency is important, the approach should be tailored to the audience and situation. A direct approach is often best for business contexts, while a more empathetic approach might be suitable for personal situations. Regardless, ensure the information is clear and concise.

Can "disappointing news" be followed by a positive statement?

Yes, it's often helpful to follow "disappointing news" with potential solutions, mitigating factors, or expressions of hope. This can help to soften the impact and provide a more balanced perspective.