run of misfortune

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run of misfortune" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of unfortunate events or a prolonged period of bad luck. Example: "After a run of misfortune that included job loss and health issues, she finally found a stable situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The ring was bought to counter a run of misfortune.

The New York Times - Style

For the better part of two seasons, we had suffered through Young's agonizing run of misfortune.

The New York Times - Sports

He wouldn't let his current run of misfortune block the larger picture.

The Washington Post

Its run of misfortune, now stretching to eight games, coincides with the owner, Roman Abramovich, removing assistant coach Ray Wilkins without explanation.

The New York Times

But in all likelihood, what you are witnessing is not a freakish run of misfortune but the law of averages playing out.

The New York Times - Magazine

This almost biblical run of misfortune happened within the space of just a few weeks to the small Vanuatu island of Ambrym.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Romney had a run of misfortunes with his foreign policy outings: missteps on his Europe and Israel trip, criticism over politicization of the VMI speech venue, omission of Afghanistan and veterans from his convention speech.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Mets' run of medical misfortune has spanned the past couple of seasons.

The New York Times - Sports

D'Angelo Jimenez, he realized, didn't think of himself as the latest in a run of Yankee misfortune.

The New York Times - Sports

Analysis of atmospheric pollutants trapped in ice extracted from a glacier in the Swiss-Italian Alps suggests that this was the start of a cataclysmic run of global misfortune.

The Times

— Amid great destruction, with at least two dozen people dead — including nine children — the residents here began to assess the severity of their calamity Tuesday after their third major tornado in 14 years, a staggering run of weather misfortune.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "run of misfortune" to describe a sequence of negative events that seem connected or continuous. It suggests more than just isolated incidents.

Common error

Avoid using "run of misfortune" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations involving significant negative impact or a pattern of unfortunate events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run of misfortune" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a period characterized by repeated or continuous bad luck or unfortunate circumstances. Ludwig confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "run of misfortune" is a noun phrase used to describe a series of unfortunate events or a prolonged period of bad luck. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's commonly found in news and media, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is less prevalent in academic or scientific writing. Related phrases include "series of unfortunate events" and "spell of bad luck". When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a significant and continuous pattern of negative occurrences. Avoid overusing it for trivial inconveniences. The phrase is suitable for neutral register, it conveys a sense of adversity. It appears most frequently in the news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

series of unfortunate events

Emphasizes multiple distinct negative incidents, rather than a continuous state.

spell of bad luck

Implies a temporary period of unfavorable circumstances.

streak of ill fortune

Similar to "run", but with a slightly more literary tone.

succession of calamities

Highlights the severity and disastrous nature of the events.

chain of mishaps

Focuses on minor accidents and unfortunate incidents.

period of adversity

A more general term for challenging or difficult times.

chapter of hardship

Suggests a significant and difficult phase in someone's life.

wave of setbacks

Implies a series of obstacles and delays.

bout of trouble

Highlights a period of difficulty or distress.

patch of difficulty

Suggests a relatively small and localized period of problems.

FAQs

How can I use "run of misfortune" in a sentence?

You can use "run of misfortune" to describe a series of unfortunate events. For example: "After a "run of misfortune", the team finally won the championship."

What's a good alternative to "run of misfortune"?

Alternatives to "run of misfortune" include "series of unfortunate events", "spell of bad luck", or "streak of ill fortune". Choose the one that best fits the context.

Is "run of misfortune" a formal or informal phrase?

"Run of misfortune" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's more commonly found in news and media reporting than in academic writing. For highly formal settings, consider "period of adversity".

What distinguishes "run of misfortune" from "bad luck"?

"Bad luck" refers to a single instance of misfortune, while "run of misfortune" indicates a continuing sequence of unlucky events. The phrase implies a pattern or a prolonged period of hardship rather than an isolated incident.