that is unfortunate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is unfortunate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express sympathy or sadness about something that has happened or been said. Example: I heard that your father passed away yesterday, that is unfortunate.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If we don't get the minority whip's support that is unfortunate," he said.

The New York Times

For a country that prides itself on its sense of irony, that is unfortunate".

The New York Times

Though it may be accurate, it's an emphasis that is unfortunate for two reasons.

The New York Times - Arts

"Whatever he meant or not, it was a statement that is unfortunate and just reflects a lack of understanding and sensitivity," Booker said.

The Guardian

"Whether (Sununu) meant it or not, it was a statement that is unfortunate and just reflects a lack of understanding and sensitivity.

Huffington Post

And that is unfortunate.

The New Yorker

That is unfortunate.

The Economist

But that is unfortunate, he added.

The New York Times

They say that is unfortunate.

The New York Times

That is unfortunate, given the current economic backdrop.

The Economist

That is unfortunate, but it's by no means irreversible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using "that is unfortunate". In highly informal settings, a more casual expression like "that's too bad" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "that is unfortunate" excessively in casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal or insincere. Opt for more natural expressions like "that sucks" or "that's a bummer" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is unfortunate" primarily functions as an evaluative statement, expressing disappointment, regret, or sympathy regarding a particular situation or event. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and widely used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that is unfortunate" is a versatile and widely used phrase to express disappointment or sympathy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in a variety of contexts. While generally neutral to slightly formal, it's essential to consider the setting. For instance, in casual conversations, more relaxed expressions like "that's too bad" might be preferable. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, academic writing, and formal business settings. Its alternatives include "that is regrettable" and "it's a shame", which can be used based on desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is regrettable

Replaces "unfortunate" with a synonym that emphasizes the feeling of regret.

it is regrettable

Formal and direct synonym emphasizing regret.

that is disappointing

Directly states that something does not meet expectations or is less favorable than desired.

that's a disappointment

Highlights the feeling of letdown associated with the situation.

it's a shame

Indicates that something is disappointing or causes regret.

that is a shame

Rephrases the sentiment using 'shame' to express disappointment.

that's a pity

Uses a more colloquial expression to indicate disappointment or sympathy.

that's too bad

Employs a common idiom to express sadness or disappointment about a situation.

it's a matter of regret

Formal alternative emphasizing a sense of remorse or sadness over a situation.

it is unlucky

Focuses on the element of bad luck contributing to the negative outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "that is unfortunate" in a sentence?

You can use "that is unfortunate" to express regret or sympathy, such as: "I heard about the cancellation, "that is unfortunate"." or "That is unfortunate, I was really looking forward to it."

What are some alternatives to saying "that is unfortunate"?

You can use alternatives such as "that is regrettable", "that's too bad", or "it's a shame" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "that is unfortunate" formal or informal?

"That is unfortunate" is generally considered to be a neutral to slightly formal expression. It is suitable for professional and polite conversation but might sound a bit stiff in very informal settings.

When should I use "that is unfortunate" instead of "that's sad"?

Use "that is unfortunate" when you want to express a polite or professional level of sympathy. "That's sad" is more appropriate in casual or personal conversations where a more emotional expression is fitting.