it is rather unfortunate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is rather unfortunate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express disappointment or regret about a situation or event. Example: "It is rather unfortunate that the event had to be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It is rather unfortunate that one moment, a snapshot in time, has taken such a negative toll on his life and his career.

The New York Times - Sports

It is rather unfortunate that the Olympic Park is serviced by the Jubilee line, an elephantine creature given to lengthy groaning, hissing sulks between platforms.

The Guardian - Sport

In one of the book's best passages, a police official gives what passes for an apology: "It is rather unfortunate, from my point of view, when someone with a tendency to fall down stairs turns out to be a foreigner".

The New York Times - Books

It is rather unfortunate that the final snapshot the Queen's Club crowd is likely to have of Andre Agassi will be of him landing on his bottom yesterday after failing reach a ball hit behind him by Tim Henman.

The Guardian - Sport

The centre said in a statement: "It is rather unfortunate that time and time again, the media do not seem to understand that whether or not any individual who has ever prayed in the mosque has gone on to be involved in acts that are considered to be illegal, that this should in no way reflect on the mosque or on the message the mosque imparts.

The Guardian

It is rather unfortunate that the current RNA-seq data have not covered enough tissue samples yet.

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"It's rather unfortunate," says Peterken.

The Guardian

So, it's rather unfortunate that this week the MP for Mansfield provided fuel for that assertion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Was it one-foot-five above the base of the picture, or one-foot-six?' If you're thinking about conceptual things, the measurements don't matter … It's rather unfortunate that we can't just see these things.

The Guardian

"It's rather unfortunate that these stories [plan to sack Keshi and/or appoint a technical adviser] are coming from the press at this crucial moment.

BBC

It's rather unfortunate that yoga as it's often practiced is simply seen as "exercise". The practice of yoga is much more than that.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is rather unfortunate" when aiming for a tone that is both formal and subtly understated in expressing disappointment.

Common error

Avoid using "rather" excessively in very informal settings. While "it is rather unfortunate" is grammatically sound, simpler alternatives like "it's a shame" may sound more natural in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is rather unfortunate" primarily functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a mild degree of disappointment or regret about a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, highlighting its role in conveying subjective assessment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

29%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is rather unfortunate" serves as a moderately formal expression of disappointment or regret. While grammatically correct and usable, according to Ludwig AI, its frequency is uncommon, suggesting that alternative phrases might be more prevalent in everyday language. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it strikes a balance between conveying a negative sentiment and maintaining a level of politeness. When seeking to express dismay with a touch of understatement, "it is rather unfortunate" remains a fitting choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's unfortunate

A more direct and slightly less emphatic version of the original phrase.

it's quite regrettable

Emphasizes the regret associated with the situation, slightly more formal.

it's regrettable

A more formal and strong expression of regret.

it's rather disappointing

Focuses on the feeling of disappointment, less formal than "regrettable".

it's a pity

A more concise and informal expression of regret.

it's a shame

Similar to "it's a pity", expressing mild disappointment.

it's a matter of regret

Puts more emphasis on the feeling of regret.

it's a source of disappointment

Highlights the origin of the negative feeling.

that's too bad

A more casual and less formal expression of sympathy or disappointment.

it's a cause for concern

Indicates a worry or apprehension about a particular situation, implying the unfortunate nature of it.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it is rather unfortunate"?

You can use alternatives like "it's unfortunate", "it's a pity", or "it's disappointing" depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "it is rather unfortunate"?

The phrase "it is rather unfortunate" is considered relatively formal. Simpler alternatives such as "it's a shame" or "that's too bad" are more suited for informal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "it is rather unfortunate"?

Use "it is rather unfortunate" when you want to express disappointment in a slightly formal or understated way. It's suitable for professional communication, news reporting, or academic writing.

What's the difference between "it is unfortunate" and "it is rather unfortunate"?

Adding "rather" softens the statement slightly, making it a bit more nuanced than a direct "it is unfortunate". It indicates a degree of disappointment without being overly dramatic.