grave misfortune

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave misfortune" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or significant misfortune or unfortunate event that has occurred. Example: "The community faced a grave misfortune when the flood destroyed many homes and displaced families."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Sterility, therefore, was widely regarded as a grave misfortune.

The New York Times - Books

Certainly this would be a grave misfortune for the person.

The New York Times - Books

As an emergency room physician, an Army veteran who was deployed to a combat support hospital in Baghdad in 2005, and a biomedical researcher in the field of cardiac-arrest resuscitation, I have been and am, on a daily basis, a witness to grave misfortune.

The New York Times

Similarly, it would be a grave misfortune for you if your spouse came to despise you, but for some reason pretended to love you, so that you underwent no loss of pleasure.

SEP

Human beings with radical cognitive disabilities suffer "grave misfortune" but not reduced status if they are not able to share in the distinctive forms of our common life in which their embodiment has "embedded" them.

SEP

Homer purchases a severed monkey's hand that will grant four wishes, despite the vendor's warning that the wisher will meet with grave misfortune.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Further, even in cases where aiding is not in fact possible, it is a graver moral misfortune, ceteris paribus, to leave a being with FMS unaided, as compared to a being without FMS.

SEP

For a child whose parents are about to take her and her friends to an extravagant indoor playground, this misfortune seems only slightly less grave than Gregor Samsa's wake-up discovery that he'd become a huge bug.

The New York Times - Arts

Then there is Citadel Investment Group, the hedge fund known as a grave dancer for its ability to profit from the misfortunes of others.

The New York Times

Misfortune has been piled on misfortune.

The Economist

Also: misfortune hunters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave misfortune" to convey a sense of significant adversity or tragedy. This phrase is suitable for formal writing and serious contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "grave misfortune" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase's formality can sound out of place in everyday settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave misfortune" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It denotes a significant and unfortunate event, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grave misfortune" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a significant and unfortunate event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for formal contexts, where it effectively conveys seriousness and impact. While it is not as common as other expressions, its use in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources highlights its formal register. When choosing an alternative, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, such as the disastrous nature (serious calamity) or the extreme hardship (dire adversity). Remember to reserve "grave misfortune" for situations that genuinely warrant such a weighty expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrible tragedy

Amplifies the sense of loss and devastation.

tragic event

Underscores the sadness and loss associated with the situation.

awful misfortune

A more common and less formal way to express a serious misfortune.

serious calamity

Emphasizes the disastrous nature of the event.

profound hardship

Stresses the depth and intensity of the difficulty.

dire adversity

Highlights the extreme hardship and suffering involved.

significant adversity

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the misfortune.

major setback

Focuses on the hindrance or delay caused by the misfortune.

severe tribulation

Implies a period of great suffering and testing.

grievous affliction

Highlights the pain and distress caused by the misfortune.

FAQs

How to use "grave misfortune" in a sentence?

Use "grave misfortune" to describe a serious or significant misfortune. For example, "The community faced a grave misfortune when the flood destroyed many homes and displaced families."

What can I say instead of "grave misfortune"?

You can use alternatives like "serious calamity", "dire adversity", or "tragic event" depending on the context.

Is "grave misfortune" too dramatic for everyday situations?

Yes, "grave misfortune" is best reserved for situations involving serious loss, tragedy, or significant adversity. For less severe situations, consider using alternatives like "major setback" or "significant adversity".

What distinguishes "grave misfortune" from "bad luck"?

"Grave misfortune" implies a serious and impactful negative event, while "bad luck" suggests a minor or trivial occurrence. "Grave misfortune" is significantly more severe and formal.