how unlucky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how unlucky" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express dismay or disappointment at some bad luck or misfortune. For example: "I had been so close to getting the job, but then they gave it to someone else - how unlucky!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

How unlucky!

The Guardian - Sport

How unlucky for him.

The New York Times

How unlucky can you get?

The Guardian - Film

Exactly how unlucky, they don't know yet.

The New York Times

"We're out there, thinking, how unlucky".

The Guardian

"People say to me, 'How unlucky you were,' " he told the documentary makers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"It depends on really what hits us or how lucky or unlucky we are," Davis said.

The New York Times - Sports

If it does, there are necessary limits to how lucky or unlucky this person could be.

SEP

His brother spoke of how he was unlucky in love.

The Guardian - Sport

In the New York area, the arrival of the West Nile virus last year brought home just how unpleasant an unlucky series of coincidences can be when the right mosquito for the job is around; of the 62 cases last year, 7 were fatal.

The New York Times

Sara, honey, you are finally getting a taste of how Bad-Bakt (unlucky) we are in this society".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how unlucky" to express immediate reaction to a disappointing event. It effectively conveys dismay or sympathy.

Common error

While effective, overuse of "how unlucky" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your expressions with phrases like "what bad luck" or "that's so unlucky" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how unlucky" functions as an exclamatory expression indicating dismay or disappointment at a particular misfortune. Examples in Ludwig show its use in response to specific unlucky events, echoing the Ludwig AI's confirmation of its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Sport

16%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how unlucky" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express disappointment or dismay at an unfortunate event. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from credible sources, confirms its correct usage and versatility across different contexts. It is most commonly found in news and media, sports, and lifestyle content. While effective, consider using synonyms such as "what bad luck" or "that's so unlucky" to prevent repetition and maintain reader engagement. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's so unlucky

Adds emphasis by including "so", while maintaining the core meaning.

what bad luck

Focuses on the bad luck experienced, omitting the expression of dismay.

how unfortunate

Replaces "unlucky" with a synonym, changing the tone slightly to be more formal.

what a stroke of bad luck

Emphasizes the sudden and impactful nature of the misfortune.

what a misfortune

Uses a different noun to describe the event, highlighting the unfortunate nature.

it's a pity

Expresses regret and disappointment, but is less direct than "how unlucky".

tough luck

A more casual and direct way of expressing sympathy or acknowledging misfortune.

that's just my luck

Highlights a personal pattern of misfortune, implying resignation.

I have such bad luck

Shifts the focus to the speaker's experience of consistent bad luck.

it was just not meant to be

Suggests a sense of inevitability and acceptance of the unfortunate outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "how unlucky" in a sentence?

You can use "how unlucky" to express dismay or disappointment about a situation. For example, "I missed the train by seconds, how unlucky!"

What's a more formal alternative to "how unlucky"?

A more formal alternative to "how unlucky" is "how unfortunate". It conveys a similar sentiment but in a more sophisticated tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "how unlucky"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "How" is used as an exclamation, and "unlucky" is an adjective describing the situation.

What can I say instead of "how unlucky" to show sympathy?

To show sympathy, you could say "that's so unlucky" or "what bad luck". These phrases directly acknowledge the other person's misfortune.