less fortunate circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less fortunate circumstances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe situations that are not as favorable or advantageous as others, often in a context of empathy or social awareness. Example: "We must always remember those who find themselves in less fortunate circumstances and do our best to help them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

To prevent this way of thinking, Mr. Zeller prepared his sons and daughter from early childhood to think about those who were born into less fortunate circumstances.

The New York Times

It ended with Eli Manning lowering his throwing shoulder into a Green Bay cornerback and emerging heroically for an act of aggression that under less fortunate circumstances would have left him scorned for not figuratively using his head.

The New York Times - Sports

Hailsham, where Kathy grew up as inmate before her "promotion", is mythologised for its special ethos: a Hailsham childhood is idealised, with somewhat grotesque and faintly Dickensian sentimentality, by those who were "born" into less fortunate circumstances.

The Guardian - Books

Thus, for example, intuitively, John's dog Algol is a pet accidentally; under less fortunate circumstances, she might have been, say, a stray that no one ever adopted.

SEP

Over forty percent of federal research grants go to thirty schools nationwide, leaving the other 4,700 in somewhat less fortunate circumstances.

University of Chicago

But there is rarely a day that goes by I don't think of those in less fortunate circumstances.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

When we are having difficulty forgiving others, we remind ourselves that "but for the grace of God go I," that under other, less-fortunate circumstances we might have found ourselves in desperate situations doing unworthy and unloving things to others, out of fear and a belief that they were necessary for our survival.

Huffington Post

"He was different from the traditional Collegiate student because he was from the Bronx and circumstances far less fortunate than most of us, but he struck me as somebody who was so comfortable with who he was that he was able to bridge the two worlds he traveled between each day with seeming ease".

The New York Times

Bush's version was a government-centric model, which his campaign brain trust used to differentiate him from the stereotype of the free-market conservative who cared little about the circumstances of the less fortunate.

Huffington Post

A possible explanation for this discrepancy between investigations is that the mothers of the Norwegian participants experienced less Chernobyl-related anxiety, due to fortunate circumstances in Norway and perceived physical and psychological distance from the disaster.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Their faith in the crucial importance of not taxing rich people, not spending to help the less fortunate, and not printing money under any circumstances, remained unchanged.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less fortunate circumstances", consider the specific context and choose the most appropriate alternative to convey the intended meaning and nuance. Use this phrase to empathetically describe situations of disadvantage, focusing on the external conditions rather than inherent traits of individuals.

Common error

Be careful not to imply that individuals in "less fortunate circumstances" are responsible for their situation. Focus on external factors and systemic issues to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes or victim-blaming narratives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less fortunate circumstances" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It typically describes a situation or condition, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis. Examples show its use in describing individuals or groups experiencing some form of disadvantage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less fortunate circumstances" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe situations of disadvantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adjective phrase, often employed in news, academic, and formal contexts to express empathy or highlight social inequalities. When writing, be mindful of the specific context and avoid implying individual blame for systemic issues. Consider alternative phrases like "disadvantaged situation" or "unfavorable conditions" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disadvantaged situation

Focuses on the state of being at a disadvantage.

unfavorable conditions

Highlights the negative aspects of the existing conditions.

difficult circumstances

Emphasizes the hardship and challenges involved.

adverse situation

Highlights a situation working against someone.

challenging environment

Focuses on the demanding nature of the surrounding environment.

impoverished conditions

Emphasizes the lack of wealth and resources.

precarious circumstances

Highlights the instability and uncertainty of the situation.

underprivileged background

Focuses on the lack of advantages in someone's upbringing.

hardship

A more general term for suffering or difficulty.

struggling situation

Emphasizes the continuous effort to overcome difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "less fortunate circumstances" in a sentence?

You can use "less fortunate circumstances" to describe situations where individuals or groups experience disadvantage or hardship, for example: "We should strive to create a society that supports those in "less fortunate circumstances"".

What are some alternatives to "less fortunate circumstances"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "disadvantaged situation", "unfavorable conditions", or "difficult circumstances".

Is it appropriate to use "less fortunate circumstances" in formal writing?

Yes, "less fortunate circumstances" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing social issues, economic disparities, or humanitarian efforts. However, always consider your audience and the specific context.

What is the difference between "less fortunate circumstances" and "poverty"?

"Poverty" refers specifically to the state of being poor, while "less fortunate circumstances" is a broader term that can encompass various types of disadvantage, including but not limited to poverty. "Less fortunate circumstances" might include lack of access to education, healthcare, or other opportunities.