sorry bunch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sorry bunch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people who are perceived as unfortunate or pitiful in some way. Example: "After hearing their sad stories, I realized they were just a sorry bunch trying to make the best of their situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

That made the Greek economy the worst of a sorry bunch (see chart).

The Economist

By the nineteen-sixties, the corps de ballet was looking like a sorry bunch.

The New Yorker

"The one I see is far from a 'disappointment sponge' for this sorry bunch of reprobates.

The Guardian

Or will last week's rally create a new sorry bunch of investors who thought they could call the market bottom?

The New York Times

Though Evie's anti-parental judgmentalism is itself judged by the novel, the book's adults are indeed a sorry bunch.

The New Yorker

Rudi Völler's side were swept aside in the second half and looked a sorry bunch at the end.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Find some way to bring me back, you fuckers, or you are the sorriest bunch of bastards the world has ever known.

The New Yorker

In return the US offers up such irritant gems as the "least worst option" for what we might call the "best of a bad bunch", or " my bad" instead of plain old "sorry".

Independent

P.M.S.: Sorry, sorry, sorry!

The New Yorker

Sorry, sorry, sorry.

The New Yorker

Brockwell's cafe, set in a Grade II-listed art deco building with its own entrance, is by far the best of this bunch (sorry, Tooting).

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sorry bunch" to express disappointment or disapproval towards a group, ensuring the context clearly indicates the reason for their perceived inadequacy. For example, "The team's performance was a sorry bunch of errors and missed opportunities."

Common error

Avoid using "sorry bunch" in formal writing or professional settings where a more neutral or objective tone is required. Opt for phrases like "underperforming group" or "disappointing team" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorry bunch" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun (usually a group of people or things) to indicate a negative quality. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is often used to express disappointment or disapproval.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sorry bunch" is a common, generally neutral expression used to negatively describe a group, often in News & Media contexts. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage. While the phrase is acceptable in many situations, it's important to consider the context and audience, as more formal alternatives might be more appropriate in certain settings. Ludwig also offers alternatives such as "pathetic group" and "unfortunate lot", allowing for nuanced expression. As examples indicate, the phrase is used to express disappointment or disapproval towards a group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pathetic group

Replaces "sorry" with "pathetic", emphasizing the pitiable nature of the group.

unfortunate lot

Substitutes "bunch" with "lot" and "sorry" with "unfortunate", focusing on their bad luck.

pitiable crew

Uses "crew" instead of "bunch" and "pitiable" for "sorry", highlighting the feeling of pity they evoke.

wretched crowd

Replaces "bunch" with "crowd" and "sorry" with "wretched", stressing their miserable condition.

deplorable collection

Substitutes "bunch" with "collection" and "sorry" with "deplorable", emphasizing their unworthiness.

miserable set

Uses "set" instead of "bunch" and "miserable" for "sorry", highlighting their unhappiness.

unhappy group

A more straightforward substitution of "sorry" with "unhappy", retaining the core meaning.

disappointing assembly

Replaces "bunch" with "assembly" and "sorry" with "disappointing", focusing on their failure to meet expectations.

hapless collection

Uses "hapless" to replace "sorry", emphasizing their lack of good fortune.

unlucky gathering

Substitutes "bunch" with "gathering" and "sorry" with "unlucky", focusing on their misfortune.

FAQs

How can I use "sorry bunch" in a sentence?

You can use "sorry bunch" to describe a group of people or things that are inadequate, unfortunate, or disappointing. For example: "The politicians turned out to be a "sorry bunch", failing to deliver on their promises."

What are some alternatives to "sorry bunch"?

Alternatives to "sorry bunch" include "pathetic group", "unfortunate lot", or "disappointing group". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sorry bunch" considered formal or informal?

"Sorry bunch" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversations, opinion pieces, or creative writing. Avoid using it in formal reports or academic papers.

What does it mean to describe someone as part of a "sorry bunch"?

Describing someone as part of a "sorry bunch" implies that they are associated with a group that is viewed negatively, either due to incompetence, misfortune, or some other undesirable quality. It suggests a collective failure or inadequacy.