ill fortune

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ill fortune" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to bad luck or unfortunate circumstances. Example: "Despite his hard work, he faced ill fortune in his business ventures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The Vartsabas have had their share of ill fortune.

The New York Times

Nathan Peats's ill fortune is the break De Gois needs.

The Guardian - Sport

But for a scoundrel it will bode ill fortune.

The Guardian - Travel

I simply didn't have the good (or ill?) fortune to find it.

The New York Times - Travel

It is rare that his feast day passes without some ill fortune.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this way the city was supposedly protected from ill fortune for another year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But alcohol's ill fortune caught up to some members of his family.

The New York Times

Liverpool's decline post-Hillsborough coincided with Barnes's physical deterioration and ill fortune.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

In one bleak run of ill-fortune he lost 72 nights in a row.

The Economist

He had the hapless air of a noir patsy, and seemed forever hit by ill-fortune.

The Guardian - Sport

I called Halper the other day, to tell him of my ill-fortune.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ill fortune" to add a slightly formal or literary tone when describing unfortunate events. It is particularly effective in narratives or when discussing historical events.

Common error

Avoid using "ill fortune" in very casual conversations. Phrases like "bad luck" or "tough break" might be more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

Ill fortune functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a state of adversity or bad luck. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is appropriate and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ill fortune" is a noun phrase used to describe a state of bad luck or unfortunate circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used. It carries a slightly formal tone and is most frequently found in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific texts. While alternatives like "bad luck" or "misfortune" exist, "ill fortune" adds a touch of literary flair, particularly suitable for narratives or formal discussions. When choosing between these options, consider the context and desired level of formality to ensure the most appropriate fit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bad luck

A straightforward synonym, referring to unfavorable outcomes or circumstances.

misfortune

Similar to "ill fortune", emphasizing the state of having bad luck.

adversity

Focuses on facing difficult or challenging situations.

a run of bad luck

Highlights a series of unfortunate events occurring consecutively.

hardship

Emphasizes the severe difficulty and suffering caused by unfortunate events.

unfavorable circumstances

A more descriptive way of referring to negative conditions.

setback

Refers to a temporary impediment or reversal in progress.

unhappy fate

Suggests a predestined element of bad luck.

calamity

Indicates a disastrous event or situation.

troubles

A more general term for problems and difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "ill fortune" in a sentence?

You can use "ill fortune" to describe unfortunate circumstances or bad luck. For example, "Despite his best efforts, "ill fortune" plagued his business ventures."

What phrases can I use instead of "ill fortune"?

Alternatives to "ill fortune" include "bad luck", "misfortune", or "adversity", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "ill fortune" or "bad luck"?

"Ill fortune" carries a more formal or literary tone compared to the more common and casual "bad luck". The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

What is the difference between "ill fortune" and "unfavorable circumstances"?

"Ill fortune" is a more direct and concise way to describe bad luck, while "unfavorable circumstances" provides a more detailed and descriptive explanation of negative conditions.