is a misfortune

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a misfortune" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unfortunate situation or event. Example: "Losing the championship game after such a hard-fought season is a misfortune that the team will remember for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

But it is a misfortune, not a disaster.

Independent

To have lost one (parent, kidney, glove) is a misfortune.

The New York Times

Losing a boyfriend, to paraphrase Oscar Wilde, is a misfortune; losing him twice looks like carelessness.

The New York Times

To have one troubled child is a misfortune: to have four looks like dramatic excess.

The Guardian

To lose one's conductor through illness is a misfortune; to lose the soloist as well suggests they must be married.

The Guardian - Music

It is a misfortune that happens too often to those people who live a life crammed with many separate talents.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

That could be a misfortune.

The New York Times

It was a misfortune, not a crime.

The Guardian - Sport

"To lose them was a misfortune, to possess them no happiness," Rousseau wrote.

The New York Times

To drop one South African opener at slip might be a misfortune.

The Guardian - Sport

For a poet to lose such a talent would have been a misfortune.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a misfortune" to express that a situation or event is unfortunate but not necessarily catastrophic. It's suitable when acknowledging a setback or disappointment without overstating the severity.

Common error

Avoid using "is a misfortune" when describing truly devastating events. This phrase is better suited for situations that are disappointing or inconvenient rather than tragic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a misfortune" functions as a predicative expression, attributing the quality of being unfortunate to a particular situation, event, or circumstance. Ludwig AI suggests it is a correct expression in English. Examples show its use in describing various unfortunate scenarios.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is a misfortune" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe an unfortunate event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. While suitable for various contexts, it is best used to describe situations that are disappointing or inconvenient rather than catastrophic. Its register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for both formal and informal settings. Alternatives such as "is an unfortunate event" or "is a setback" can be used depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is an unfortunate event

Directly states the event is not positive or desirable, using simpler language.

is an unfavorable situation

Emphasizes the negative and undesirable aspects of the circumstances.

is a difficult circumstance

Highlights the challenging conditions and hardships involved.

is a stroke of bad luck

Focuses on the role of chance and ill-fated circumstances.

is a regrettable incident

Underscores the sorrow and remorse associated with the event.

represents a setback

Indicates a hindrance or delay in progress, focusing on the obstructive aspect.

is a piece of bad news

Emphasizes the unpleasant and unwelcome nature of the information.

constitutes an adversity

Highlights the challenging and difficult nature of the situation.

is a source of trouble

Indicates that the situation is causing problems and difficulties.

is a cause for concern

Indicates that the situation is worrying and warrants attention.

FAQs

How can I use "is a misfortune" in a sentence?

The phrase "is a misfortune" is used to describe something unfortunate or unlucky. For example, "That the project was cancelled "is a misfortune", but we must move forward."

What are some alternatives to "is a misfortune"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is an unfortunate event", "is a setback", or "is a regrettable incident", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "that is a misfortune"?

Yes, "that is a misfortune" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express disappointment or regret about a situation.

What is the difference between "is a misfortune" and "is a tragedy"?

"Is a misfortune" describes something unlucky or disappointing, while "is a tragedy" refers to a deeply sorrowful or catastrophic event. A misfortune is less severe than a tragedy.