miserable necessity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "miserable necessity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or requirement that is unpleasant but unavoidable. Example: "In times of crisis, we often find ourselves facing the miserable necessity of making difficult choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He wanted to turn it from "a miserable necessity into an integrated and wonderful part of the performance".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

… I found them packed together in the most miserable quarters, dying without the commonest necessities of life".

The New York Times

Scarce jobs, resources and necessities not only make us miserable: it makes us competitive, bigoted and phobic.

Huffington Post

Attempting to curb them was unspeakably difficult, but a necessity if I don't want to be miserable for the rest of my miserable life.

Vice

But take a drive to some miserable town half an hour outside the capital, and the urgent necessity of huge changes stares you in the face.

The Economist

Social necessity.

The New York Times

Or miserable.

The New York Times

Absolutely miserable.

The Guardian - Tech

Bit miserable.

The Guardian - Music

Pretty miserable".

The New York Times

'Very miserable.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "miserable necessity", consider the tone of your writing. The phrase is somewhat dramatic and may not be appropriate for all contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "miserable necessity" too frequently, as it can sound repetitive and melodramatic. Choose simpler alternatives when appropriate to maintain a balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "miserable necessity" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "miserable" modifies the noun "necessity". According to Ludwig, it denotes a situation or requirement that is both unpleasant and unavoidable. It qualifies the necessity with a negative connotation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "miserable necessity" is a grammatically sound phrase that combines an adjective and a noun to describe an unavoidable and unpleasant situation. While not frequently used, as Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys both the necessity and the negative emotions associated with it. Its primary use is within news and media, and alternatives like "unpleasant obligation" or "unfortunate requirement" can be considered for varied expression. When using "miserable necessity", writers should be mindful of its dramatic tone and ensure it fits the overall context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grim necessity

Emphasizes the seriousness and unpleasantness of the necessity.

unpleasant obligation

Focuses on the obligation aspect, softening the emotional impact.

painful obligation

Directly addresses the unpleasantness of the obligation.

unfortunate requirement

Emphasizes the requirement being undesirable.

distasteful requirement

Highlights the dislike associated with the requirement.

necessary evil

Highlights the negative aspect that cannot be avoided.

unappealing imperative

Highlights the unattractive nature of the imperative.

bitter pill to swallow

A more figurative way to express something unpleasant that must be accepted.

unwelcome duty

Highlights the feeling of duty being unwanted.

inescapable burden

Focuses on the burden aspect of the situation, implying a sense of heaviness.

FAQs

How can "miserable necessity" be used in a sentence?

"Miserable necessity" can be used to describe an unpleasant but unavoidable situation. For example, "In times of crisis, facing budget cuts becomes a "miserable necessity"".

What are some alternatives to "miserable necessity"?

Alternatives to "miserable necessity" include "unpleasant obligation", "unfortunate requirement", or "necessary evil".

Is "grim necessity" similar to "miserable necessity"?

Yes, "grim necessity" is similar to "miserable necessity". Both phrases convey the idea of something unavoidable and unpleasant, but "grim necessity" emphasizes the seriousness of the situation.

When is it appropriate to use "miserable necessity" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "miserable necessity" when you want to emphasize both the unavoidable and unpleasant nature of a situation. Use it when you want to add a touch of drama or emotion to your writing. Consider your audience when deciding whether this phrasing is appropriate.