thoroughly unhappy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thoroughly unhappy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a deep or complete state of unhappiness. Example: "After the news of the layoffs, she felt thoroughly unhappy about her job security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She found herself surrounded by women who were living in affluent suburbs, leading comfortable lives, but who were thoroughly unhappy.

The New Yorker

The Frenchman had a thoroughly unhappy evening: from the outset he was complaining about some of the tackling he received and when Shaw caught him from behind in the 48th minute the notoriously short Gallic fuse was reignited.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I thoroughly enjoyed Jonathan Goldstein's "Many Unhappy Returns," but he could have at least asked permission before writing about my own mother.

The New York Times

Unhappy man; good book.

The Economist

Ill-health, increasing arthritis and an unhappy domestic life may have combined to make him thoroughly miserable but not to the extent of killing himself.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Beck said that Mr. Dorner's case had been "thoroughly adjudicated" and that his statements were "self-serving" and those of a man "extremely unhappy with his lot in life".

The New York Times

She added, "While I hesitate to say that she is a thoroughly happy person, at the same time I cannot in all honesty judge her to be an unhappy person".

The New Yorker

It's an unhappy coincidence that might not be worth mentioning if "Iron Man 3" didn't underscore just how thoroughly Sept. 11 and its aftermath have been colonized by the movies.

The New York Times

Unhappy women!

The New Yorker

(Unhappy goats).

The New York Times

Thoroughly disgusting.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thoroughly unhappy" to emphasize a pervasive and complete sense of unhappiness, rather than a mild or temporary feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "thoroughly unhappy" in casual conversation; opt for simpler alternatives like "sad" or "disappointed" unless you truly intend to convey a deep sense of unhappiness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thoroughly unhappy" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the extent or degree of unhappiness experienced by someone or something. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thoroughly unhappy" is a grammatically sound adjective phrase used to convey a deep and complete sense of unhappiness. According to Ludwig, this expression is correct and acceptable in written English. While not overly common, its usage is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news reporting and descriptive writing where emphasizing the degree of unhappiness is important. Consider alternatives like "completely unhappy" or "utterly miserable" to fine-tune the expression based on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely miserable

Focuses on the feeling of misery rather than simple unhappiness.

utterly despondent

Emphasizes a deeper state of hopelessness and sadness.

deeply saddened

Highlights the feeling of sorrow and grief.

profoundly disappointed

Focuses on the letdown and frustration experienced.

intensely dissatisfied

Emphasizes a strong feeling of displeasure and discontent.

extremely disheartened

Highlights the loss of spirit and enthusiasm.

totally crestfallen

Indicates a feeling of dejection and disappointment.

absolutely devastated

Conveys a sense of overwhelming shock and grief.

remarkably glum

Highlights a state of subdued sadness and pessimism.

noticeably wretched

Focuses on the feeling of being in an unfortunate or miserable state.

FAQs

How can I use "thoroughly unhappy" in a sentence?

You can use "thoroughly unhappy" to describe a state of deep and complete sadness or dissatisfaction. For example, "She was thoroughly unhappy with the results of the survey."

What phrases are similar to "thoroughly unhappy"?

Alternatives include "completely unhappy", "utterly miserable", or "deeply saddened", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "thoroughly unhappy" or "very unhappy"?

"Thoroughly unhappy" emphasizes a more profound and complete state of unhappiness compared to "very unhappy", which is a more general expression.

Can "thoroughly unhappy" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "thoroughly unhappy" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to convey a significant degree of unhappiness or dissatisfaction. However, consider the specific context and audience.