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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
unfortunate determination
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "unfortunate determination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decision or conclusion that is regrettable or has negative consequences. Example: "The committee's unfortunate determination to cut funding for the program has left many students without essential resources."
✓ Grammatically correct
Alternative expressions(19)
tragic decision
drastic decision
serious decision
radical choice
extreme measure
significant determination
major resolution
serious judgement
far-reaching action
bold move
sweeping change
pivotal turning point
strong decision
radical decision
harsh decision
hurried decision
draconian decision
considerable decision
tremendous decision
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
Trump's "decision is unfortunate but it only reinforced our determination," Macron said in a message on the initiative's website.
News & Media
This is unfortunate, since wishing self-determination away would only make matters worse.
News & Media
No sulking or feeling sorry for themselves after such an unfortunate goal; just a quiet determination to get an equalizer.
News & Media
By far the most important cause of this unfortunate state of affairs is the determination of Senate Republicans, for reasons of politics, ideology and spite, to confirm as few ofPresident Obama's judicial choices as possible.
News & Media
It is unfortunate that the amount of focus, energy, and determination being afforded this issue is not instead being directed at what might be an equally pressing area of need within the University.
Academia
The overlapping dramas involve choices in love and in casting, a series of misunderstandings and tangles, of intentional deceptions and unfortunate accidents, that reflect deep undercurrents of intellectual determination and emotional need.
News & Media
The MDC chief, a three-time loser to Mugabe, said though his condition was unfortunate, he intended to confront "this development with the determination to overcome it".
News & Media
"The team showed great maturity and determination to come back from losing an unfortunate equaliser.
News & Media
Organizers call "Skid Row Super Mural" a show of pride and self-determination by a community sick of being defined by its most unfortunate citizens.
News & Media
The determination to pursue policies which have so obviously failed in the past is an unfortunate hallmark of the Nato leaders.
News & Media
Very unfortunate.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "unfortunate determination", ensure the context clearly establishes both the negative circumstance and the resolute action taken in response. This adds depth and nuance to your writing.
Common error
Avoid using "unfortunate determination" excessively in formal or professional writing. While grammatically correct, it may sound melodramatic. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "resolute action" or "determined effort" to maintain a professional tone.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "unfortunate determination" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "unfortunate" modifies the noun "determination". It characterizes a particular kind of resolve, one that is born out of or exists in the face of negative circumstances. Although there are no exact matches, Ludwig AI confirms the words used can be used in that way.
Frequent in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Science
0%
News & Media
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Formal & Business
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Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "unfortunate determination" describes resolve in the face of adversity. While grammatically sound, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, and understandable, it is a relatively uncommon expression. Related phrases, such as "regrettable resolve" or "grave determination", offer similar meanings and may be more appropriate depending on the context. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly establishes both the negative circumstances and the resolute action. While there were no exact matches, Ludwig AI confirmed that its components are individually used in reputable sources, suggesting acceptability. Its best suited for neutral or informal contexts, as it may come across as overly dramatic in professional settings.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Regrettable resolve
Replaces "unfortunate" with "regrettable", focusing on the negative aspect of the situation that necessitates the determination.
Unlucky resolve
Substitutes "unfortunate" with "unlucky", emphasizing the role of chance or fate in the situation requiring determination.
Grave determination
Replaces "unfortunate" with "grave", highlighting the seriousness of the circumstances driving the determination.
Regrettable decision
Replaces "determination" with "decision", focusing on the act of deciding despite the unfortunate circumstances.
Unfortunate resolution
Replaces "determination" with "resolution", stressing the firmness of purpose despite the misfortune.
Adverse resolve
Uses "adverse" to specify that the situation is negative instead of "unfortunate".
Ill-fated tenacity
Uses "ill-fated" instead of "unfortunate" and "tenacity" instead of "determination", both emphasizing the negative outcome and the strength of purpose.
Unfavorable resolve
Replaces "unfortunate" with "unfavorable", indicating that the situation is not conducive to success, but the determination persists.
Lamentable resolve
Substitutes "unfortunate" with "lamentable", adding a tone of sorrow or regret to the determination.
Calamitous resolve
Replaces "unfortunate" with "calamitous", highlighting the disastrous nature of the circumstances necessitating determination.
FAQs
How can I use "unfortunate determination" in a sentence?
You can use "unfortunate determination" to describe a situation where someone is determined to do something despite facing difficult or negative circumstances. For example: "Despite the company's financial troubles, the team showed "unfortunate determination" to complete the project".
What phrases are similar to "unfortunate determination"?
Similar phrases include "regrettable resolve", "unlucky resolve", or "grave determination". These alternatives emphasize the negative situation prompting the resolve.
Is "unfortunate determination" a positive or negative trait?
The connotation of "unfortunate determination" depends on the context. It typically suggests a situation with negative circumstances but also highlights a positive trait of resolve or persistence in the face of adversity.
When is it appropriate to use "unfortunate determination" in writing?
It is appropriate to use "unfortunate determination" when you want to emphasize that someone is facing a difficult or negative situation, but they are still determined to achieve their goal. It adds a layer of complexity to the description.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested