Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it's unfortunate that
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesTable of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
"It's unfortunate that Evan's privacy is not being considered".
News & Media
"It's unfortunate that walruses were included," admitted Exxon Mobil's chief.
News & Media
"It's unfortunate that these people are even attacking innocent children," Kenya's police spokesman, Eric Kiraithe, said.
News & Media
"It's unfortunate that it happened".
News & Media
It's unfortunate that we couldn't do it".
News & Media
And it's unfortunate that it happened.
News & Media
It's unfortunate that no one noticed.
News & Media
"It's unfortunate that he's actually caught in this situation.
News & Media
"It's unfortunate that neither party is willing to admit that".
News & Media
It's unfortunate that his article omits important facts.
News & Media
"It's unfortunate that it's come to what it is.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "it's unfortunate that" to introduce a statement expressing regret or disappointment about a situation or event. It sets a tone of mild negativity or concern.
Common error
Avoid relying too heavily on "it's unfortunate that" in your writing. Vary your expressions of regret or disappointment by using alternative phrases like "it's regrettable that" or "I regret that" to maintain reader engagement.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it's unfortunate that" functions as a comment clause or introductory phrase. It sets the stage for expressing regret, disappointment, or disapproval regarding a particular situation or event. As Ludwig AI shows, it's commonly used to soften negative statements or introduce bad news.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Wiki
15%
Formal & Business
8%
Less common in
Science
5%
Encyclopedias
4%
Reference
3%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "it's unfortunate that" is a versatile phrase used to express disappointment or regret. It's grammatically correct and very common in various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous sources. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, it's important to be mindful of potential overuse and consider alternative expressions to maintain a varied writing style. Always remember that this expression sets a mildly negative tone that can influence the reader's perception of the subsequent information.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it's regrettable that
Uses "regrettable" instead of "unfortunate", implying a sense of sorrow or remorse.
it's a pity that
Employs "pity" to convey a feeling of sadness or disappointment about a situation.
it's a shame that
Substitutes "shame" for "unfortunate", suggesting a sense of loss or disapproval.
it's disappointing that
Replaces "unfortunate" with "disappointing", emphasizing the feeling of unmet expectations.
I regret that
Shifts to a personal expression of regret using "I regret" instead of an impersonal statement.
it's sad that
Uses "sad" to express sorrow or unhappiness about a situation.
it's a cause for concern that
Indicates that something is troubling or worrisome, rather than simply unfortunate.
it's a matter of regret that
Frames the situation as something that causes ongoing regret.
I'm afraid that
Introduces bad news or an unfortunate situation with a gentler tone.
it's hardly ideal that
Emphasizes that a situation is far from perfect or desirable, implying a degree of misfortune.
FAQs
What does "it's unfortunate that" mean?
The phrase "it's unfortunate that" is used to express regret, disappointment, or sadness about a particular situation or event. It indicates that something undesirable has occurred.
How can I use "it's unfortunate that" in a sentence?
You can use "it's unfortunate that" to introduce a statement expressing your disappointment. For example, "It's unfortunate that the meeting was canceled" or "It's unfortunate that we couldn't come to an agreement."
What are some alternatives to "it's unfortunate that"?
Alternatives include "it's regrettable that", "it's a pity that", "it's disappointing that", or simply "I regret that". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.
Is it appropriate to use "it's unfortunate that" in formal writing?
Yes, "it's unfortunate that" is generally suitable for formal writing, although more sophisticated alternatives like "it's regrettable that" might be preferred in highly formal contexts. Always consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested