unenviable position

USAGE SUMMARY

"unenviable position" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It usually means that the situation someone is in is unpleasant, challenging, or difficult. For example: After being caught in the middle of the argument between his mother and sister, John found himself in an unenviable position.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tiger's in an unenviable position.

The New York Times - Sports

The Fed is in an unenviable position.

The New York Times

The predicament has placed Pietersen in an unenviable position too.

Independent

The European Central Bank is in an unenviable position.

The New York Times

The question placed Sanders in a tricky and unenviable position.

The New Yorker

"But I think they are in a real unenviable position.

The New York Times - Arts

The election year timing puts the White House in an especially unenviable position.

The Economist

Finchem quickly patched things up with Woods, but he's now in an unenviable position.

The New York Times - Magazine

Worse, you are now in the unenviable position of negotiating your price (way) after the fact.

The New York Times

Bangladesh, like many other developing countries with large refugee populations, is in an unenviable position.

The Guardian

This was smart politics that put CNN in an unenviable position.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unenviable position" to describe situations where someone is facing a distinctly disadvantageous or problematic set of circumstances. It's stronger than simply saying something is "difficult".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "unenviable position" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "tough spot" or "difficult situation" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unenviable position" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition. It describes a state of being or circumstance that is undesirable. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unenviable position" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a difficult or undesirable situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While alternatives like "difficult situation" or "tough spot" exist, "unenviable position" carries a slightly more formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the disadvantageous nature of the circumstances being described. Be mindful of overusing it in informal conversation, where simpler language might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult situation

Focuses on the challenge presented by the situation.

tough spot

Suggests a predicament that is hard to escape.

precarious situation

Emphasizes the instability and potential danger of the situation.

awkward predicament

Highlights the uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing nature of the situation.

undesirable circumstances

Focuses on the unwelcome and negative aspects of the situation.

challenging circumstances

Emphasizes the difficulties to overcome.

tight corner

Implies confinement and limited options.

sticky situation

Suggests a situation that is difficult to resolve and may worsen.

delicate position

Highlights the need for careful handling to avoid negative consequences.

compromising situation

Indicates a situation that could damage one's reputation or integrity.

FAQs

How can I use "unenviable position" in a sentence?

You can use "unenviable position" to describe a situation where someone is in a difficult or undesirable circumstance. For example, "After the company's financial collapse, the CEO was in the "unenviable position" of having to lay off hundreds of employees."

What are some alternatives to "unenviable position"?

Some alternatives to "unenviable position" include "difficult situation", "tough spot", or "precarious situation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very unenviable position"?

While not grammatically incorrect, using "very" with "unenviable position" can be redundant. The word "unenviable" already implies a negative or undesirable situation, so adding "very" doesn't significantly enhance the meaning. Consider rephrasing for emphasis if needed.

What's the difference between "unenviable position" and "untenable position"?

"Unenviable position" refers to a difficult or undesirable situation, while "untenable position" refers to a situation that cannot be maintained or defended. The former implies difficulty, while the latter implies unsustainability.