unfortunate condition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfortunate condition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or state that is regrettable or undesirable. Example: "The patient was diagnosed with an unfortunate condition that required immediate medical attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

I am very mindful of the fact you have a sick wife and the unfortunate condition she is in".

The Guardian

While various issues play a role in this unfortunate condition, many contributing factors are not subject to control or correction by U.S. negotiators.

Business Horizons

As a result, negative equity — the unfortunate condition that occurs when your home is worth less than your mortgage — fell again in the third quarter, the report found.

The New York Times

At times away from its acupuncturist, quinoa tends to become very paranoid; misinformation about the location of offensive kitchen paraphernalia will only provoke this unfortunate condition.

The New York Times

This unfortunate condition is associated with body imbalance and subsequent osteochondral deformations and impaired function as well as with an increased risk of potentially life threatening soft tissue infections.

Microvascular Research

"I also take into account your illness though there is no medical evidence to suggest that your unfortunate condition would make a significant difference to your ability to sustain a period of imprisonment," he said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"The situation has become a 'national disgrace,' with many unfortunate conditions that do not come to public attention until a crisis arises," the Times summed up her conclusion.

The New Yorker

Your image will be appear slightly darker to compensate for the unfortunate conditions, but highlights and contrasts will be restored.

WikiHow

"It's an unfortunate market condition," she said.

The Guardian - Tech

Not all Americans are subject to this unfortunate mental condition, of course.

The New Yorker

It is an unfortunate circumstance that contemporary climate analysis focuses almost exclusively on average conditions, at the expense of their variance.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by using synonyms like "regrettable situation" or "difficult predicament" to avoid repetition.

Common error

While acceptable, "unfortunate condition" can sometimes sound overly sentimental in formal or business writing. Opt for more direct language like "challenging situation" or "adverse circumstance" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfortunate condition" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "unfortunate" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "condition". It is used to describe a state or situation that is undesirable or regrettable. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unfortunate condition" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a regrettable or undesirable state. According to Ludwig, it is prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Academia, reflecting its versatility. While generally neutral, it is crucial to consider the context and opt for more direct language in formal settings. Alternatives such as "regrettable situation" or "difficult predicament" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Using synonyms will help avoid repetition and make the content more rich. Overall, "unfortunate condition" is a reliable phrase for expressing concern and acknowledging adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regrettable situation

Focuses on the situational aspect of the misfortune.

undesirable circumstance

Emphasizes the unwanted nature of the event or situation.

lamentable state

Highlights the sorrowful nature of the condition.

adverse situation

Emphasizes the negative and opposing nature of the circumstance.

unfavorable circumstances

Highlights the lack of support or positive elements in the situation.

difficult predicament

Emphasizes the challenging and complicated aspects of the situation.

grim reality

Highlights the harsh and unpleasant nature of the situation.

distressing plight

Focuses on the suffering and hardship involved in the condition.

challenging state of affairs

Underscores the difficulty and complexity of the situation.

unhappy situation

Simple and direct, highlighting the lack of happiness.

FAQs

What does "unfortunate condition" mean?

The phrase "unfortunate condition" describes a situation or state that is regrettable, undesirable, or causes suffering. It often refers to a person's health or circumstances that are less than ideal.

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

You can use "unfortunate condition" to describe someone's health, like: "The doctor informed him about his "unfortunate condition"." Or, you can use it to describe a difficult situation, like: "The company faced an "unfortunate condition" due to the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "unfortunate condition"?

Alternatives include "regrettable situation", "difficult predicament", or "adverse circumstance", depending on the specific context.

Is "unfortunate condition" formal or informal?

The phrase "unfortunate condition" is generally considered neutral in tone. While not overly formal, it is suitable for a wide range of contexts, including news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversations.