raw deal

USAGE SUMMARY

"raw deal" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an informal phrase used to describe a situation in which someone is treated unfairly. Example sentence: The judge gave him a raw deal, sentencing him to 15 years in prison for a minor crime.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a raw deal.

The Economist

He got a raw deal.

The New Yorker

Elderly widows often get a raw deal.

The Economist

Theirs has been rather a raw deal.

The New York Times - Books

Cows get a raw deal in literature.

The Guardian - Books

"I think he gets a raw deal".

The New York Times - Sports

But jazz singers get a raw deal.

The Guardian - Music

"It's a raw deal," one woman said.

The New York Times

Is More getting a raw deal?

The Guardian - Arts

"They got a raw deal," he said.

The New York Times

Moylan: Anita Hill got a raw deal.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "raw deal" to express unfairness or being cheated in an informal context. It is suitable for conversational writing and reporting.

Common error

Avoid using "raw deal" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "unfair treatment" or "inequitable outcome".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raw deal" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition to describe an unfair or disadvantageous situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is an informal way to express that someone has been treated unjustly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "raw deal" is an informal noun phrase used to describe a situation where someone is treated unfairly or receives a disadvantageous outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media. While very common, it is more suitable for informal contexts and should be replaced by more formal alternatives like "unfair treatment" or "inequitable outcome" in academic or business settings. The phrase frequently conveys disapproval or criticism. Alternatives like "bum deal" and "short end of the stick" offer similar, but slightly different, nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bum deal

This alternative is a more informal synonym emphasizing dissatisfaction.

unfair treatment

This option is more formal and general, focusing on the lack of equity.

unjust outcome

This alternative emphasizes the inequity of the result or consequence.

bad bargain

This phrase suggests that an agreement or negotiation resulted in disadvantageous terms.

short end of the stick

This idiomatic expression highlights being at a disadvantage compared to others.

losing proposition

This alternative emphasizes the inevitability of a negative result from the beginning.

unequal footing

This option accentuates the disparity and imbalance in a particular situation.

rooked

This is a more informal and blunt term suggesting deception or swindling.

ripped off

This phrase indicates being overcharged or deceived in a transaction.

taken advantage of

This passive construction emphasizes the action of someone exploiting another's vulnerability.

FAQs

How to use "raw deal" in a sentence?

You can use "raw deal" to describe a situation where someone is treated unfairly, like: "The company gave its employees a "raw deal" by cutting their benefits."

What can I say instead of "raw deal"?

You can use alternatives like "unfair treatment", "bad bargain", or "short end of the stick depending on the context.

Is "raw deal" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "raw deal" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, use phrases like "unfair treatment" or "inequitable outcome".

What's the difference between "raw deal" and "unfair treatment"?

"Raw deal" is an idiomatic expression implying unfairness, often with a sense of being cheated. "Unfair treatment" is a more general and formal term for any inequitable handling.