more unfortunate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more unfortunate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or person that is in a worse state of misfortune compared to another. Example: "While many faced hardships, she was more unfortunate than most, losing her job and her home in the same month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

THE timing could not be more unfortunate.

The Economist

The timing could not be more unfortunate.

The New York Times

Meanwhile yet more unfortunate news has emerged for torchbearers.

Independent

There's no more unfortunate example than La Guardia.

The New York Times - Travel

The setting for such a failure couldn't be more unfortunate.

The New York Times - Arts

A more unfortunate man might have made a pair.

The Guardian - Sport

A more unfortunate surprise was that Google missed a handful of campgrounds in the vicinity.

The New York Times - Tech

The manner in which the final result emerged, though, could hardly have been more unfortunate.

The Economist

The crisis surrounding its environment chief, Erik Solheim, is all the more unfortunate given the timing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Meanwhile, this could hardly come at a more unfortunate moment for Princess Bea's prospects.

The Guardian

It is all the more unfortunate, then, that Kelly has no such acting skills.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more unfortunate", ensure you're comparing two distinct situations or individuals to highlight the relative degree of misfortune. This provides clarity and impact in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "more unfortunate" when describing a single, isolated event without a point of comparison. Instead, use alternatives like "unfortunate" or "very unfortunate" to describe the absolute nature of the event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more unfortunate" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that something or someone possesses a greater degree of misfortune compared to another. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more unfortunate" functions as a comparative, highlighting a greater degree of misfortune between two subjects. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media. To ensure accurate and impactful writing, use "more unfortunate" to draw attention to relative severity and avoid using it in absolute contexts. Alternatives like "more unlucky" or "more ill-fated" can provide nuanced variations. While generally neutral in tone, the phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to evoke empathy and provide clarity through comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more unlucky

Replaces "unfortunate" with a direct synonym focusing on luck.

more ill-fated

Emphasizes destiny or fate in a negative context.

more hapless

Highlights a lack of control over negative events.

more regrettable

Focuses on the feeling of sorrow or disappointment associated with the situation.

more lamentable

Stresses the sorrowful or mournful aspect.

more dismal

Describes a situation as bleak and depressing.

more grievous

Highlights the severity and seriousness of the misfortune.

more catastrophic

Implies a devastating or disastrous outcome.

even more dire

Intensifies the sense of urgency and desperation.

in a worse predicament

Shifts the focus to the difficult situation someone is in.

FAQs

How can I use "more unfortunate" in a sentence?

Use "more unfortunate" to compare two situations or people, indicating that one is experiencing a greater degree of misfortune than the other. For example, "While both lost their jobs, she was "more unfortunate" as she also lost her home."

What phrases can I use instead of "more unfortunate"?

Alternatives to "more unfortunate" include "more unlucky", "more ill-fated", or "more hapless", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "most unfortunate" instead of "more unfortunate"?

"Most unfortunate" implies the highest degree of misfortune and is used when there are three or more entities being compared. "More unfortunate" is appropriate when comparing only two entities. Consider using "very unfortunate" or "extremely unfortunate" if you want to refer the highest degree of misfortune but you have only one item.

What's the difference between "unfortunate" and "more unfortunate"?

"Unfortunate" describes a situation that is undesirable or marked by bad luck. "More unfortunate" indicates a higher degree of bad luck or a worse situation compared to something else. It implies a comparison, while "unfortunate" simply states a condition.