regrettable circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "regrettable circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is unfortunate or disappointing. Example: "We find ourselves in a regrettable circumstance due to unforeseen events that have impacted our plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Thanks to the fourth wave of feminism, people have started to identify and call out sexist behaviour (baby steps, but in the right direction: Everyday Sexism is now an empowering social activism project as well as a regrettable circumstance faced by people with vaginas).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is a very regrettable circumstance that occurred for you.

Vice

At the time, the school district tried to downplay the bizarre incident as a "regrettable circumstance involving some of the biological specimens," but the story quickly went viral anyway.

Vice

Preston School District 201 Superintendent Marc Gee called the incident "a regrettable circumstance," but noted in a press release that the event "occurred well after students had been dismissed and was not a part of any school-directed program".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He lost one ally, albeit in regrettable circumstances, when Honduras's president, Manuel Zelaya, was overthrown last year.

The Economist

Six years later, Jackson found himself on the bag of South African great Gary Player, in somewhat regrettable circumstances.

BBC

"Under these highly regrettable and entirely avoidable circumstances, hospitals are rightly calling for an end to the uncertainty, and the implementation of the compromise package the Dalton team are recommending".

Independent

Simon Stevens, the chief executive of the NHS, said he backed the government's expected decision to go ahead with the new contract: "Under these highly regrettable and entirely avoidable circumstances, hospitals are rightly calling for an end to the uncertainty, and the implementation of the compromise package the Dalton team are recommending".

The Guardian

This understanding of the First Amendment is regrettable because there are clearly circumstances in which the government should be constitutionally required to recognize and respect the distinctive harm its investigations might have on our ability to preserve a vibrant, robust public discourse.

Huffington Post

The council said costs in such circumstances usually fell on the authority which was "regrettable".

BBC

Under the circumstances, Stoudemire's angry punch was understandable, though certainly regrettable.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "regrettable circumstance" when you want to express that a situation is unfortunate and evokes a sense of remorse or disappointment. This phrase is suitable for formal contexts, such as news reporting or official statements.

Common error

While "regrettable circumstance" is grammatically correct, avoid using it in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "unfortunate situation" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "regrettable circumstance" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a specific situation that is considered unfortunate and undesirable. Ludwig shows examples of its usage in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "regrettable circumstance" is a noun phrase used to describe an unfortunate or disappointing situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its primary use in news and media contexts. While accurate, it's best reserved for more formal writing or speech. Consider alternatives like "unfortunate situation" for more casual settings. The phrase serves to express disappointment and is often found in professional or neutral registers. This phrase is not overly common, but its meaning is clear and its usage is straightforward.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunate situation

This alternative is a more general way to describe something negative, without necessarily implying remorse.

lamentable situation

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the sorrow or grief associated with the situation.

unhappy event

This alternative focuses on the occurrence as an event that caused unhappiness.

disappointing situation

This alternative highlights the feeling of disappointment as the primary emotion.

unfortunate incident

This alternative emphasizes the event aspect and suggests a degree of chance or accident.

grievous situation

This alternative suggests a more serious and distressing circumstance.

deplorable event

This alternative is a strong term suggesting moral disapproval or condemnation of the event.

sorry state of affairs

This alternative is an idiomatic expression that indicates a negative and undesirable situation.

undesirable situation

This alternative expresses that the circumstance is unwanted or unwelcome.

unpleasant state of affairs

This alternative highlights the disagreeable or displeasing nature of the circumstance.

FAQs

What does "regrettable circumstance" mean?

The phrase "regrettable circumstance" refers to a situation that is unfortunate or disappointing, and evokes a feeling of regret or remorse.

How can I use "regrettable circumstance" in a sentence?

You can use "regrettable circumstance" to describe an event or situation that you wish had not occurred. For example: "It is a "regrettable circumstance" that the project was delayed due to unforeseen issues."

What are some synonyms for "regrettable circumstance"?

Alternatives to "regrettable circumstance" include "unfortunate situation", "lamentable situation", or "unhappy event". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of formality desired.

Is it appropriate to use "regrettable circumstance" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "regrettable circumstance" is more suited to formal or professional contexts. In everyday conversation, you might prefer phrases like "unfortunate situation" or "it's a shame".