unfortunate attitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfortunate attitude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a negative or undesirable mindset or perspective that someone may have in a particular situation. Example: "Her unfortunate attitude towards teamwork made it difficult for the group to collaborate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It was an unfortunate attitude from his side.

The Guardian

"He had the very unfortunate attitude of viewing parents of children with disabilities with disdain," says Beverley Watkins, partner at Bristol-based Watkins Solicitors, which specialises in SEN law.

The Guardian

Benjamin Powell, who served as general counsel for three directors of the Office of National Intelligence, was quoted as saying of the cyber-security sector, "Sometimes there was an unfortunate attitude of bring your knives, your guns, your fists, and be fully prepared to defend your turf..

The New Yorker

Earlier this year a director of Ladbrokes, the largest betting company in the UK, wrote to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to complain of the "unfortunate attitude" of some councils which regarded bookmakers as "unacceptable and inappropriate additions" to the high street.

The Guardian

Benjamin Powell, who served as general counsel for three directors of the Office of National Intelligence, was quoted as saying of the cyber-security sector, "Sometimes there was an unfortunate attitude of bring your knives, your guns, your fists, and be fully prepared to defend your turf...

The New Yorker

As Lisch (2013) pointed out, this unfortunate attitude is well illustrated by the name of the most widely used tool for TE identification, RepeatMasker (Smit et al. 2015), reveals an attitude that such elements can be removed with little consequence.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

These unfortunate attitudes reinforce the idea that HIV is a topic that we should keep quiet.

Huffington Post

In an effort to pass the buck, I explained Ally's unfortunate attitudes about her mother and the work ethic generally on Disney and the ubiquitous Disney Princess cabal.

Huffington Post

(Field notes, conversation with nursing assistant during observation)The excerpt above highlights the inadequacies of the hospital environment along with some unfortunate attitudes to the patient (implying that patients with dementia choose to behave in a way that is challenging to staff).

Ageing and Society

The miserliness of such signs seems to reinforce an unfortunate British attitude towards the idea of other people doing things: they are nimby-ism made concrete, or rather metal.

The Guardian - Opinion

This unfortunate position contradicts conceptual work and empirical research about attitudes toward evolution, including the data published in our article (Paz-y-Miño C. and Espinosa 2009), to which Rice et al. refer.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unfortunate attitude", clearly specify who holds this attitude and its impact. This provides context and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Refrain from broadly labeling entire groups or populations as having an "unfortunate attitude". This can lead to stereotyping and undermine your credibility. Always be specific and provide evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfortunate attitude" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "unfortunate" modifies the noun "attitude". It serves to describe a specific quality or characteristic related to a person's or group's mindset. As Ludwig AI explains, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unfortunate attitude" is a grammatically correct and usable term to describe a negative or undesirable mindset. As per Ludwig AI, it is valid in written English. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts and has a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that you are specific about who holds this attitude and its impact and avoid generalizing across entire groups. Alternatives such as "disappointing attitude" or "unfavorable attitude" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disappointing attitude

Replaces "unfortunate" with a synonym that suggests the attitude failed to meet expectations.

unfortunate mentality

Substitutes "attitude" with "mentality", emphasizing a way of thinking rather than just a feeling.

unfavorable attitude

Uses a more formal synonym for "unfortunate" while keeping the meaning similar.

undesirable attitude

Focuses on the negative impact or consequences of the attitude.

miserable attitude

Emphasizes the unhappiness or negativity associated with the attitude.

deplorable attitude

Highlights the blameworthiness or reprehensibility of the attitude.

sorrowful attitude

Connects the attitude to feelings of sadness or regret.

disgraceful attitude

Indicates that the attitude brings shame or dishonor.

unfortunate perception

Shifts the focus from the attitude itself to the underlying perception causing it.

unfortunate behavior

Moves from internal state (attitude) to external action (behavior) that results from it.

FAQs

How can I use "unfortunate attitude" in a sentence?

You can use "unfortunate attitude" to describe a negative or undesirable mindset. For example, "His unfortunate attitude toward teamwork hindered the project's success."

What's a good alternative to "unfortunate attitude"?

Consider using phrases like "disappointing attitude", "unfavorable attitude", or "undesirable attitude" depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to describe someone's attitude as "unfortunate"?

Yes, the term "unfortunate attitude" inherently carries a negative connotation, implying that the attitude is undesirable or detrimental in some way.

What is the difference between "unfortunate attitude" and "unfortunate behavior"?

"Unfortunate attitude" refers to an internal mindset or perspective, while "unfortunate behavior" refers to observable actions or conduct. The attitude may lead to the behavior, but they are distinct concepts.