it is very unfortunate

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "it is very unfortunate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express sadness or disappointment about a particular situation. Example: "It is very unfortunate that we had to cancel our vacation plans due to the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Specter responded, "It is very unfortunate that the N.F.L. has already started its 'nothing new' spin before watching the tapes".

The New York Times

"It is very unfortunate that the N.F.L. has already started its 'nothing new' spin before watching the tapes or finding out what Mr. Matt Walsh has to say," Specter said in a telephone interview.

The New York Times - Sports

It is very unfortunate".

The New York Times

It is very unfortunate also".

The New York Times

I think it is very unfortunate.

The Guardian - Music

"It is very unfortunate," said a police spokesperson, Eric Kayiranga.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"It's very unfortunate".

The New Yorker

So it's very unfortunate.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's very unfortunate, but it is.

The New York Times - Sports

"Obviously it's very unfortunate.

The Washington Post

"It was very unfortunate he was there".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is very unfortunate" to express empathy or mild disappointment in formal or neutral contexts. It is suitable when addressing sensitive issues or delivering bad news indirectly.

Common error

While "it is very unfortunate" is appropriate in many situations, avoid overuse, as it can sound insincere or diminish the impact of your message. Vary your language with alternatives like "it's regrettable" or "it's a pity" to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is very unfortunate" functions as an evaluative expression, conveying a negative assessment or expressing regret about a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a sense of disappointment or sorrow.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is very unfortunate" is a versatile phrase used to express regret or disappointment in a polite and considerate manner. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for a range of contexts, especially within news reporting, scientific discourse, and professional environments. To maintain engagement in your writing, consider occasionally substituting it with alternatives such as "it is regrettable" or "it is disappointing", while being mindful of the potential to overuse the expression. Its frequent presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its widespread acceptance and utility in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is regrettable

Emphasizes the feeling of regret about a situation.

it is disappointing

Highlights the feeling of being let down or unsatisfied.

it is a pity

Expresses a sense of sorrow or compassion.

it is a shame

Implies that a situation is unfortunate and undeserving.

it is sad

Focuses on the emotional aspect of the situation being unfortunate.

it is unlucky

Suggests that the situation is caused by bad luck or fortune.

it is undesirable

Indicates that the situation is not wanted or wished for.

it is unfavorable

Implies that the situation is not advantageous or beneficial.

it is lamentable

Highlights that the situation deserves to be mourned or regretted.

it is a matter of regret

Formal way to indicate that something causes feelings of sorrow or disappointment.

FAQs

How can I use "it is very unfortunate" in a sentence?

You can use "it is very unfortunate" to express your disappointment or regret about a situation. For example, "It is very unfortunate that the meeting was canceled" or "It is very unfortunate that you are unable to attend the event".

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

You can use alternatives like "it is regrettable", "it is disappointing", or "it is a pity" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it is very unfortunate" or "that is very unfortunate"?

Both "it is very unfortunate" and "that is very unfortunate" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the specific context and what you are referring to. "That is very unfortunate" often refers to a specific situation just mentioned.

What's the difference between "it is very unfortunate" and "it is deeply regrettable"?

"It is deeply regrettable" is a stronger, more formal expression of regret compared to "it is very unfortunate". Use "it is deeply regrettable" in situations that require a more serious or formal tone.