regrettable development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "regrettable development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that is unfortunate or disappointing. Example: "The recent layoffs in the company are a regrettable development that affects many employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In another regrettable development, I am no longer thirteen, and apparently won't be again.

The New Yorker

The wizardry of financial institutions to bundle mortgages and sell them to investors now is seen by many as a regrettable development.

The New York Times

"We need to start doing some grass-roots intervention with respect to the problem and not greet it every year with 'It's a regrettable development' kind of an attitude," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Egyptian interior ministry issued a statement saying it "fully appreciated" the emotions surrounding "regrettable developments" in the region, but would not permit unauthorised protests.

The Guardian

"It is in response to the bloody events and the very regrettable turn the development of democracy has taken" in Egypt, he added.

The Guardian

I believe no one of insight from the US side would like to see that the election factors would have a regrettable impact on the development of ties between the two countries … We should deal with friction and differences in bilateral economic and trade cooperation in the spirit of seeking mutual benefits and win-win results through a positive and constructive way".

The Guardian - Opinion

Along this line, it is a regrettable fact that software development is often discounted in the scientific community.

Huffington Post

Opponents of Mr. Erdogan's Justice and Development Party criticized efforts to portray the deaths as understandable, if regrettable, collateral damage.

The New York Times

Kenny Litwack called Mr. Jeffries the "lesser of two evils," saying Mr. Jeffries's regrettable support for the Atlantic Yards development project was more than offset by statements by Mr. Barron that he found offensive and racist.

The New York Times

It's regrettable there needs to be more development, particularly on greenbelt land, but we need to be more pragmatic about it all".

BBC

There is, however, a regrettable shortage of both, intrinsic to the development of thoroughbred race horses.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "regrettable development", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific aspects of the development are considered negative or undesirable. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "regrettable development" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler, more direct expressions of disappointment or concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "regrettable development" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "regrettable" modifies the noun "development". It is used to describe a situation or event that is considered unfortunate or undesirable. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "regrettable development" is a phrase used to describe an unfortunate or undesirable situation, often found in news and formal business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While grammatically sound, it's best suited for formal writing and professional communications and should be used judiciously in informal settings. Alternatives such as "unfortunate event" or "negative development" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Understanding its register and connotations helps ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative development

A more direct synonym focusing on the unfavorable aspect of the development.

unfortunate event

Focuses on the event itself being unlucky or unfavorable.

undesirable situation

Emphasizes the negative aspects and lack of appeal of the situation.

disappointing occurrence

Highlights the feeling of letdown caused by the event.

lamentable circumstance

Uses a more formal tone to express sorrow or regret about the situation.

unwelcome change

Specifically refers to changes that are not positively received.

adverse turn of events

Highlights the negative progression or direction of events.

unfortunate consequence

Emphasizes the adverse result of an action or situation.

unhappy incident

Emphasizes the sadness or displeasure associated with the event.

unfavorable outcome

Highlights that the result or conclusion was not positive.

FAQs

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

You can use "regrettable development" to describe an event or situation that is unfortunate or undesirable. For example, "The increase in unemployment is a "regrettable development" for the community."

What are some alternatives to "regrettable development"?

Some alternatives include "unfortunate event", "undesirable situation", or "disappointing occurrence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "regrettable development"?

"Regrettable development" is appropriate in formal writing, news reports, and professional communications where a serious and negative event needs to be described with a degree of objectivity.

Is "regrettable development" the same as "negative development"?

While similar, "regrettable development" carries a stronger connotation of disappointment or sorrow than "negative development", which is more neutral in tone.