unfortunate

USAGE SUMMARY

"unfortunate" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when describing something that you regret or when something has had an unfavorable outcome. Example: It was unfortunate that she had to miss her best friend's wedding due to a medical emergency.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is serious and unfortunate what happened but there is no ban on Jeremy being on the BBC.

The Guardian

The timing was unfortunate.

The Economist

That is unfortunate.

The Economist

But Kearns said the court "is satisfied, in the circumstances of this case, that it is in the best interests of the unborn child; it should authorise at the discretion of the medical team the withdrawal of ongoing somatic support being provided in this tragic and unfortunate case".

The Guardian

If she can get past scheduled opponent Victoria Azarenka (finally seeded in a Slam, at No27) in the third round (an unfortunate draw for both) her sister Venus could be standing in her way in the fourth round.

The Guardian - Sport

"To the extent that the book goes contrary to that, I think it is unfortunate," Varghese said.

The Guardian

The unfortunate truth, as CTC points out, is that congestion is only going to get worse and that we all – drivers and cyclists – have to meet in the middle and be considerate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The company said the work near King's Cross was part of a £200m Christmas investment programme and described the move to cancel all services as "regrettable and unfortunate".

The Guardian - Business

The Dees have been on the receiving end of a few unfortunate records in their time and though this season has seen a marked turnaround at the club, they're still on track to be one of the lowest-scoring sides in AFL/VFL history.

The Guardian - Sport

Certainly in Sydney I think it is having a palpable impact on young people trying to get into the housing market, and I think that is highly unfortunate".

The Guardian

Terms such as a 'something for nothing culture' are misleading and very unfortunate".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unfortunate", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific aspect is causing the misfortune or regret. For example, instead of saying "The situation was unfortunate", specify "The delay was unfortunate because it caused us to miss the deadline."

Common error

Avoid using "unfortunate" as a generic filler word. Replace it with more specific adjectives that convey the precise nature of the situation, such as "disappointing", "tragic", or "challenging".

Linguistic Context

The word "unfortunate" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something marked by or resulting in misfortune. Ludwig AI confirms it's a valid adjective, frequently seen modifying terms related to events, situations, or people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "unfortunate" is a common adjective used to describe something marked by bad luck or undesirable outcomes. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and versatile, fitting various contexts from News & Media to everyday conversations. While "unfortunate" is frequently employed, it's advisable to use it with specificity, avoiding vagueness by clarifying what aspect is causing the misfortune. Alternatives like "unlucky" or "regrettable" can offer nuanced expressions of regret or disappointment. In summary, "unfortunate" is a valuable tool for conveying empathy or acknowledging negative situations, but should be used judiciously for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlucky

Indicates a lack of good fortune or success.

regrettable

Describes something that is a cause for regret or disappointment.

ill-fated

Suggests a destiny marked by misfortune or failure.

inauspicious

Describes something that does not bode well or indicates bad luck.

unpropitious

Similar to inauspicious, indicating unfavorable circumstances.

deplorable

Describes something worthy of strong condemnation or disapproval.

disadvantageous

Indicates that something creates unfavorable circumstances or reduces chances of success.

untoward

Describes something inappropriate or unlucky.

lamentable

Describes something that is regrettable or unfortunate, often causing grief.

grievous

Indicates something serious or grave, often causing suffering or distress.

FAQs

How can I use "unfortunate" in a sentence?

You can use "unfortunate" to describe something that is regrettable or brings bad luck. For example, "It's "unfortunate" that the meeting was canceled."

What are some alternatives to "unfortunate"?

Some alternatives to "unfortunate" include "unlucky", "regrettable", and "ill-fated" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "unfortunate situation" or "an unfortunate situation"?

"An "unfortunate situation"" is correct because "unfortunate" is an adjective modifying a singular countable noun, so it requires the indefinite article "an".

What's the difference between "unfortunate" and "sad"?

"Unfortunate" implies bad luck or unfavorable circumstances, while "sad" describes a feeling of sorrow or unhappiness. An "unfortunate" event may cause sadness, but the words have distinct meanings.