getting a raw deal

USAGE SUMMARY

"getting a raw deal" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to convey the idea of receiving unfair or unfavorable treatment. It could be used in a variety of situations, such as: - "I feel like I'm getting a raw deal at work. I do all the hard work but my coworkers get all the credit." - "The citizens of this town are tired of getting a raw deal from the government. They deserve better services and resources." - "I can't believe I'm getting a raw deal in this deal. The other party is clearly taking advantage of me." - "Students often feel like they're getting a raw deal when it comes to grading policies. They work hard but still receive low grades." - "The employees of this company are getting a raw deal. They haven't received a raise in years while the executives continue to make hefty bonuses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

FRANK SINATRA knew he was getting a raw deal.

The Economist

"Everyone else, we are getting a raw deal.

The Guardian

The public thinks it is getting a raw deal.

The Guardian

Less Return at Banks Shareholders in investment banks are still getting a raw deal.

The New York Times

Is it any wonder that so many punters feel they are getting a raw deal?

The Guardian

But residents on 96th Street say they are getting a raw deal.

The New York Times

Today's children are getting a raw deal on pocket money, the figures suggest.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I think they [the BBC] are getting a raw deal these days," he said.

The Guardian

Who do you complain to if you think you're getting a raw deal?

The Guardian - Opinion

For poor countries, the risks of getting a raw deal from private oil companies are much greater.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I think he is an icon of American politics," she said, "and I think he's getting a raw deal".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting a raw deal" to express feelings of injustice or unfair treatment. It's suitable for situations where someone feels they've been disadvantaged compared to others.

Common error

Avoid using "getting a raw deal" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations involving genuine unfairness or significant disadvantage, not trivial complaints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting a raw deal" functions as a verbal phrase expressing the act of receiving unfair treatment or an unfavorable outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase. Examples show its use in various contexts to highlight perceived injustices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting a raw deal" is a common idiom used to express the feeling of being treated unfairly. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. It frequently appears in news and media, indicating its relevance in public discourse. While versatile, it leans towards an informal register, making it less appropriate for academic or highly professional settings. Related phrases include "being treated unfairly" and "receiving unjust treatment", offering alternative ways to convey a similar sentiment. Ensure that its use aligns with genuine instances of unfairness to avoid trivializing its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being treated unfairly

Focuses on the act of unfair treatment, rather than the outcome.

receiving unjust treatment

Emphasizes the lack of justice in the treatment received.

getting the short end of the stick

An idiomatic expression with a similar meaning, but more informal.

being at a disadvantage

Highlights the resulting disadvantage from the unfair treatment.

not getting a fair shake

Similar idiomatic expression emphasizing fairness.

being ripped off

Implies a more severe form of unfairness, often involving financial loss.

being exploited

Suggests being used unfairly for someone else's benefit.

getting a bad bargain

Focuses on a deal or agreement that is unfavorable.

drawing the losing straw

Idiomatic expression for being selected for something unwanted or unpleasant.

being on the losing side

Describes being in a position where loss or failure is likely.

FAQs

What does "getting a raw deal" mean?

It means to receive unfair or unfavorable treatment, often resulting in a disadvantage.

How can I use "getting a raw deal" in a sentence?

You can use it to express that someone is being treated unfairly, for example: "The employees felt they were "getting a raw deal" because of the company's new policies."

What are some alternatives to "getting a raw deal"?

You can use alternatives like "being treated unfairly", "receiving unjust treatment", or "getting the short end of the stick".

Is "getting a raw deal" formal or informal?

It is generally considered informal, so it's best suited for casual conversation or less formal writing. In professional contexts, consider using "receiving unjust treatment" for a more formal tone.