misfortunes

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'misfortunes' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a series of unfortunate events or bad luck. For example: "Despite her misfortunes, she managed to remain optimistic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the BBC has recovered before from editorial dramas – and we ought not to enjoy its misfortunes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Besides revelling in Newcastle's misfortunes their supporters offered an appreciation of Titus Bramble's excellence over thepast nine months.

The Guardian - Sport

They're subject to the same sad laws of doom as the rest of us, the same misfortunes, the same fate.

The Guardian - Books

After all, there is not a single big carmaker that has not modelled its manufacturing and supply-chain management on Toyota's "lean production" system.That said, there is a widespread belief within the automotive industry that Toyota is the author of most of its own misfortunes.

The Economist

Most recent acts of violence against Jews and Jewish buildings have been confined to France and have been committed by young Muslims, mostly of North African origin, who have been angered both by their own failure to advance in a society that often seems unkind to them and by the misfortunes of their co-religionists in Palestine.

The Economist

Unfortunately, the same is true of misfortunes greater than Mr Rybkin's.

The Economist

Meanwhile, she uses the misfortunes of Lucie's life to cast a wider light on an age where disease and death were all too commonplace.

The Economist

Mr Blair has been weakened by a long series of misfortunes and miscalculations, culminating last week in a parliamentary revolt against his anti-terror bill.

The Economist

Yet painful as they were to him, Anthony Knivet's misfortunes offer a fascinating, if mostly overlooked, insight into an early stage of colonialism.

The Economist

It plays badly with voters, who already tend to blame the Roma for their own misfortunes.

The Economist

His sympathies, born of his childhood experiences among the peasantry in northern France during the first world war, were always with the underdog, and he did not spare the colonial authorities for their role in Africa's misfortunes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "misfortunes", consider the cumulative effect of negative events rather than a single incident. This word emphasizes a series of unlucky occurrences.

Common error

Avoid using "misfortunes" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for genuinely impactful negative events, as overusing it can diminish its effect.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "misfortunes" is as a plural noun. It denotes a series or collection of unfortunate events or circumstances. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the word is correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "misfortunes" functions as a plural noun used to describe a series of unfortunate events. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media sources. While grammatically sound, it's best reserved for genuinely impactful negative events, and synonyms like "adversities" or "calamities" may offer nuanced alternatives. This analysis provides a thorough understanding of how to effectively employ the term "misfortunes" in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bad luck

A more general term referring to unfavorable outcomes or circumstances.

ill luck

Similar to bad luck, but may imply a more persistent or pervasive state.

adversities

Focuses on challenging or difficult situations, often requiring resilience.

hardships

Emphasizes the severity and difficulty of the negative experiences.

calamities

Implies a sudden and disastrous event bringing significant loss or suffering.

tribulations

Suggests trials or suffering that tests one's endurance and faith.

setbacks

Refers to temporary impediments or reversals in progress.

woes

Expresses sorrow or grief caused by troubles or afflictions.

mishaps

Describes minor accidents or unlucky events.

afflictions

Highlights conditions causing pain or suffering, often of a prolonged nature.

FAQs

How do I use "misfortunes" in a sentence?

You can use "misfortunes" to describe a series of unfortunate events. For example, "Despite her many misfortunes, she remained optimistic."

What's a good synonym for "misfortunes"?

Alternatives to "misfortunes" include "adversities", "hardships", and "calamities", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it correct to use "misfortunes" in formal writing?

Yes, "misfortunes" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing significant negative events or challenges. It is frequently used in news and media.

What is the difference between "misfortunes" and "mistakes"?

"Misfortunes" refer to unfortunate events that are often beyond one's control, while "mistakes" are errors or misjudgments caused by one's own actions. Thus, you can have "setbacks" due to your errors or "setbacks" due to "misfortunes".