sad distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sad distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a negative or unfortunate difference or characteristic that sets someone or something apart from others. Example: "Winning the award was a sad distinction, as it highlighted the lack of support for mental health initiatives in our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But it enjoys a sad distinction.

The Economist

For several decades Longwood had the sad distinction of being one of the most troubled parts of the borough, pummeled by crime, drugs, fires and building abandonment.

The New York Times

The most impressive photographic collections to be published this year have a sad distinction: they show the depths to which humanity will sink.

The Guardian - Books

Deborah Mardenfeld had the sad distinction of being one of the most gravely injured New Yorkers to survive the attacks of 9/11.

The New York Times

The United States, it is increasingly recognized, has the sad distinction of being the most unequal advanced country, though the income gap has also widened to a lesser extent, in Britain, Japan, Canada and Germany.

The New York Times

THE wise heads over at The World In have searched their souls and announced that Somalia, riddled as it is by pirates and poverty, has won the sad distinction of being the world's worst country for 2010.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The result is a drama, simultaneously hilarious and sad, of exceptional distinction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This muted, sad novel breaks down the distinction between the placed and the displaced, dissolving our sense of security, if we had one, about safely belonging in the world, dispelling our illusion of being at home.

The New York Times - Books

We are simply dancing, and often -- except for those true masters like Nora and her husband Edward Neale -- without distinction, to incredibly sad music.

Huffington Post

Sad to say, that gender distinction has not changed nearly enough over the decades since the Women's Movement nudged us along the way, even though considerable strides have been made.

Huffington Post

Further, Ferdinand et al. [ 22] found no distinction between GAD, SP, SAD and PD in a general population sample of pre-adolescent children.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sad distinction" to highlight an undesirable quality that sets something or someone apart from others. It's most effective when emphasizing the unfortunate or regrettable nature of that difference.

Common error

Avoid using "sad distinction" to describe something positive or admirable. The phrase inherently carries a negative connotation, so ensure the context reflects an unfortunate or undesirable attribute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sad distinction" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a specific quality or characteristic that is noteworthy, but in a negative or regrettable way. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sad distinction" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an undesirable quality or attribute that sets something apart. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, primarily in news and formal contexts. While not overly common, it effectively conveys regret or disapproval. Remember to use it when emphasizing the unfortunate nature of a particular distinction and avoid using it to describe positive qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunate honor

Replaces "distinction" with "honor", implying something is recognized, but in an undesirable way.

dubious honor

Similar to "unfortunate honor", but suggests skepticism about the value of the recognition.

unenviable position

Shifts the focus from a specific attribute to an overall situation that is undesirable.

regrettable characteristic

Replaces "distinction" with "characteristic", highlighting the negative attribute itself.

unpleasant difference

Focuses on the negative aspect of being different from others.

sorrowful attribute

Highlights the sadness associated with a specific attribute.

lamentable quality

Emphasizes the disappointing or regrettable nature of a particular quality.

tragic feature

Suggests a more severe and impactful negative quality.

unfortunate circumstance

Broadens the scope to include circumstances that lead to a negative outcome.

grim reality

Highlights a harsh truth or situation that is undesirable.

FAQs

How can I use "sad distinction" in a sentence?

You can use "sad distinction" to describe something negative that sets someone or something apart, such as, "The country holds the "sad distinction" of having the highest poverty rate in the region."

What is a similar phrase to "sad distinction"?

Similar phrases include "unfortunate honor", "dubious honor", or "unenviable position", all of which highlight something undesirable that sets something apart.

When is it appropriate to use "sad distinction"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the regrettable or unfortunate nature of a particular characteristic or situation that sets something or someone apart from others.

What's the difference between "dubious distinction" and "sad distinction"?

"Sad distinction" emphasizes the unfortunate or regrettable nature of something, while "dubious distinction" suggests skepticism or doubt about the value or merit of the distinction.