this unfortunate circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this unfortunate circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a negative or undesirable situation that has occurred. Example: "We regret to inform you that due to this unfortunate circumstance, the event has been postponed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Still, this unfortunate circumstance does compromise the very idea of a simultaneous multivoiced new Proust.

The New York Times - Books

Like Baudelaire ("hypocrite reader — my fellow — my brother"), Sutherland identifies with his reader in this unfortunate circumstance.

The New Yorker

The 39-year-old "expresses his sincere regret due to this unfortunate circumstance", it told the Chicago Tribune.

The Guardian - Music

You may find comfort, in this unfortunate circumstance, in the fact that TeamVision is a popular company that provides software for remote and online meetings, and that by participating in its survey I have helped confirm the strong future of telecommuting.

The New Yorker

This unfortunate circumstance also applies to nuclear, but which, very much unlike wind and solar, does actually provide the advantage of reliable, large capacity power.

Forbes

For the first time I felt like the victim of this unfortunate circumstance; I felt like the girl who was going to get married without her dad, and it was an extremely depressing and an uncomfortable feeling.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

This is the unfortunate circumstance facing one of the country's most significant memorials, the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium (1927).

Huffington Post

In the unfortunate circumstance that you have an intractable adviser, don't take their behavior personally.

Science Magazine

Despite the unfortunate circumstance of our first arrival, Muslims played a significant role in the establishment of this nation.

Huffington Post

In the unfortunate circumstance of a recurrence with a team member, how do you feel this affects the team members?

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Should the unfortunate circumstance where the mother is unable to care for her pups arise, do not be dis-heartened - it is possible to hand-rear the pups.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this unfortunate circumstance", ensure that the context clearly defines the specific situation being referred to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

While "this unfortunate circumstance" can soften bad news, avoid excessive use of euphemisms, which can obscure the true nature of the problem and appear evasive or insincere. Be direct and transparent when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this unfortunate circumstance" functions as a noun phrase that serves as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a specific situation viewed as negative or undesirable. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this unfortunate circumstance" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that functions as a noun phrase to describe a negative situation. While not exceedingly common, it appears most frequently in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in the context to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "this regrettable situation" or "this difficult situation" can offer similar meanings with subtle variations in tone and emphasis. Avoid overuse of such euphemisms to maintain transparency and sincerity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this regrettable situation

Replaces 'unfortunate circumstance' with a more direct expression of regret, maintaining a similar level of formality.

this difficult situation

Substitutes 'unfortunate' with 'difficult', focusing on the challenging nature of the situation rather than the negative outcome.

this unfavorable event

Replaces 'circumstance' with 'event', emphasizing the occurrence itself as being unfavorable.

this adverse situation

Utilizes 'adverse' to highlight the negative and potentially harmful nature of the circumstance.

this unpleasant situation

Replaces 'unfortunate' with 'unpleasant', which focuses on the disagreeable nature of the circumstance.

this regrettable incident

Substitutes 'circumstance' with 'incident', implying a more specific and contained event that is also regrettable.

this trying situation

Uses 'trying' to emphasize the testing and stressful nature of the circumstance.

this tough break

Offers a more informal and idiomatic alternative, suggesting a stroke of bad luck.

this hardship

Replaces the phrase with a single word emphasizing the suffering caused by the situation.

this setback

Focuses on the idea of a reversal or impediment caused by the circumstance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this unfortunate circumstance" to sound more formal?

Consider using alternatives like "this regrettable situation", "this adverse event", or "this unfavorable incident" to maintain a formal tone.

What are some less formal ways to say "this unfortunate circumstance"?

You could use phrases such as "this tough break" or simply "bad luck" for a more casual tone.

When is it appropriate to use "this unfortunate circumstance" in writing?

Use "this unfortunate circumstance" when you need to refer to a negative or undesirable situation in a tactful and slightly distanced manner. It is suitable for delivering bad news or discussing problems without being overly blunt.

What's the difference between "this unfortunate circumstance" and "this tragic event"?

"This unfortunate circumstance" refers to a negative situation that may not necessarily be catastrophic, while "this tragic event" implies a more serious and sorrowful occurrence. The choice depends on the severity of the situation you are describing.