this is really unfortunate

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "this is really unfortunate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express empathy towards someone who has experienced something negative. For example: "I'm so sorry that happened; this is really unfortunate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Steve, This is really unfortunate.

University of California, Berkeley

This is really unfortunate as she could bring a wealth of national security expertise to the Court.

Duke University

This is really unfortunate because you fundamentally cannot compare present values to future values and come up with a valid conclusion.

Forbes

This is really unfortunate.

Huffington Post

"This is really unfortunate," Birgeneau wrote back using his BlackBerry.

Huffington Post

"This is really unfortunate, especially when one of the answers to the problem is a simple bednet".

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"We think 111 is constructed in such a way as to protect taxpayers against tax increases, but discussions like this are really unfortunate because it makes people worry and wonder," he said.

Los Angeles Times

And that is really unfortunate".

The Guardian

"My parents may have, but I've never seen it in any campaign until this year, which is really unfortunate.

The Washington Post

"If this were a waiver for an appendectomy, my guess is that they would have no objection," he said, adding, "I think the Bush administration is letting a narrow band of ideologues dictate policy in this area, and that's really unfortunate".

The New York Times

"My mother is in a nursing home and I won't get to see her, which is really unfortunate since this is one of the few days we're able to bring her home to spend time with the family," she said.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is really unfortunate" to express sympathy or disappointment when acknowledging a negative situation. Be genuine in your tone to convey sincerity.

Common error

Avoid using "this is really unfortunate" in overly casual conversations. Simpler expressions like "that's too bad" might be more appropriate depending on your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is really unfortunate" functions as an expressive statement, conveying disappointment, sympathy, or regret regarding a particular situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English to express empathy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is really unfortunate" is a versatile phrase used to express disappointment or sympathy. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically sound and appropriate for expressing empathy. Appearing commonly in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various situations. While alternatives exist, such as "that's a pity" or "that's regrettable", the phrase's directness and clarity make it a valuable tool for conveying sincere sentiment. When using this phrase, ensure the tone matches the context and audience to effectively communicate empathy and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's a pity

Uses a more concise and somewhat gentler expression of regret.

that's regrettable

Employs a more formal tone to express disappointment.

it's a shame

Offers a common and slightly less intense way to express sorrow over a situation.

that's a real shame

Offers a more emphatic version of "it's a shame", highlighting the severity of the unfortunate event.

that's too bad

Provides a straightforward and simple expression of sympathy.

that's disappointing

Focuses specifically on the feeling of unmet expectations.

it's a matter of regret

Uses a more formal and emphatic expression.

it's a crying shame

Emphasizes the unfortunate nature of the situation, suggesting a sense of outrage or injustice.

that's a tough break

Indicates sympathy in a more casual manner, often implying bad luck.

how unfortunate

A more direct and somewhat emphatic expression of regret.

FAQs

How to use "this is really unfortunate" in a sentence?

You can use "this is really unfortunate" to express your disappointment or sympathy about a situation. For example, "This is really unfortunate that the event was canceled."

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

You can use alternatives like "that's regrettable", "that's a pity", or "that's too bad" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "this is really unfortunate" or "this is very unfortunate"?

Both "this is really unfortunate" and "this is very unfortunate" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on personal preference.

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

It's appropriate to use "this is really unfortunate" in situations where you want to express sympathy or disappointment in a slightly formal or neutral tone. It's suitable for both professional and personal contexts.