this is rather unfortunate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is rather unfortunate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a sad or unfortunate situation. For example, "Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many businesses have had to close their doors, and this is rather unfortunate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This is rather unfortunate since we'd love to have more samples of the Moon!

Cornell University

This is rather unfortunate as we are from Sheffield, where bobar is a slang word for excrement.

The Guardian

Obviously mistakes happen, but this is rather unfortunate for UK Finance - especially as the pound seems to weaken when the figures was released.

The Guardian - Business

All of this is rather unfortunate for us, in fact: if the rotation rates of galaxies did increase because of supermassive black holes, then we could look for this increase and use it to hunt down the black holes.

Cornell University

This is rather unfortunate, as careful examination of archaeological evidence and lesser-known texts has shown that this official line is not even an exaggeration: it creates victory out of defeat.

The Guardian

I think this is rather unfortunate.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

This was rather unfortunate.

The Guardian - Sport

This attribution is rather unfortunate, however, since Olbers was neither the first to ask this question, nor were his suggestions for how to solve it particularly valuable.

HuffPost

This combination of different sensitivities is rather unfortunate for the adolescent.

Duke University

Part four is entitled "the most exciting decade", which is rather unfortunate, as we learn that this is a reference to what's happening in psychology in Germany, not where our story is taking place, in Oxford and Cambridge.

The Guardian

The word "resilience", not the author's, understood, is rather unfortunate.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is rather unfortunate" to express mild disappointment or regret in formal and neutral contexts. It is suitable when you want to acknowledge a negative situation without being overly emotional.

Common error

Avoid using "this is rather unfortunate" in casual conversations or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler expressions like "that's a shame" or "that's too bad" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is rather unfortunate" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a negative assessment of a situation or event. It is a complete clause that communicates a sentiment of disappointment or regret. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically sound and commonly employed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is rather unfortunate" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for expressing mild disappointment or regret, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not extremely common, with 6 exact examples, it's suitable for formal and neutral contexts like news reporting and academic writing. The phrase's evaluative function and slightly formal register make it a useful tool for acknowledging negative situations without being overly emotional. Related phrases such as "that's a pity" or "it's a shame" offer simpler alternatives for more casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This is indeed a shame

Adds "indeed" for emphasis, reaffirming the unfortunate nature of the situation.

It's quite regrettable

Replaces "unfortunate" with "regrettable" and "rather" with "quite", slightly increasing formality.

It's deeply regrettable

Adds emphasis to the feeling of regret, suggesting a more significant level of disappointment.

That's a pity

Uses a more concise and informal expression of disappointment.

It's disappointing to note

Shifts focus to the act of noting the disappointing situation, adding a layer of detachment.

It's a matter of regret

Emphasizes the feeling of regret associated with the situation.

That's a shame

Offers a simple and common expression of mild disappointment.

I'm saddened by this

Expresses personal sadness about the situation, making it more personal.

It's a cause for lament

Suggests a more formal and profound sense of sorrow or disappointment.

That is most vexing

Uses "vexing" to express annoyance or frustration in addition to disappointment.

FAQs

What does "this is rather unfortunate" mean?

It is a polite way of expressing disappointment or regret about a situation. It acknowledges the negative aspect without being overly dramatic or emotional.

When is it appropriate to use "this is rather unfortunate"?

It's suitable for formal and neutral contexts, such as professional emails, academic writing, or news reports. It's less appropriate for casual conversations.

What can I say instead of "this is rather unfortunate"?

You can use alternatives like "that's a pity", "it's a shame", or "it's disappointing" depending on the context.

Is "this is rather unfortunate" formal or informal?

It leans towards the formal side. Simpler phrases are often preferred in informal settings.