unfortunate error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfortunate error" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a mistake or mistake that has negative consequences or effects. Example: The team's loss was an unfortunate error on the coach's part, as he chose to make a risky substitution in the final minutes of the game.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"It's an unfortunate error on our part," Mr. Carden said.

The New York Times

It was all an unfortunate error and I, for one, find the company's explanation totally convincing.

The New York Times - Food

"The reprinting of this letter was an unfortunate error in judgment," Father Kelly wrote.

The New York Times

It is an unfortunate error that mars an otherwise enjoyable book.Both these books have a market.

The Economist

As the fog of their chaotic entry lifted, the officers realized it had been an unfortunate error.

The Washington Post

The document was then hurriedly withdrawn – its release, the Foreign Office said, had been an unfortunate error.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

He is a talented shot-stopper whose mental mistakes and unfortunate errors have combined to sap his confidence.

The Guardian - Sport

It was all a series of unfortunate errors, the landlord's lawyer, David Brody of Borah, Goldstein, Altshuler and Schwartz, said.

The New York Times

And there are a few very minor but unfortunate errors that will cheer the professor's critics -- the name of a Salomon Smith Barney predecessor, for example, is slightly garbled.

The New York Times

And they introduce a number of small but cumulatively unfortunate errors — referring, for example, to the city of Nanjing as "northern" when its name means "southern capital".

The New York Times - Books

A BBC spokeswoman said: "Our live subtitling service is normally very accurate and makes our content much more accessible, but there are times when unfortunate errors occur.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unfortunate error", be specific about the error and its impact. Avoid vague statements.

Common error

While "unfortunate error" can soften the blow, avoid using it excessively to downplay serious negligence or misconduct. Acknowledge the gravity of the situation when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfortunate error" serves as a noun phrase functioning as a subject complement or object, often to soften the impact of a mistake. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its grammatical correctness. For example, 'It was an unfortunate error'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unfortunate error" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions primarily to acknowledge mistakes in a neutral or professional context, often to soften the impact or minimize blame. While ubiquitous in news and media, its usage extends to formal business and scientific discussions. It's important to remember to specify the error to avoid vagueness and prevent overuse as a euphemism for severe misconduct. Alternatives like "regrettable mistake" or "lamentable blunder" offer nuanced substitutions based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regrettable mistake

Emphasizes the feeling of regret associated with the error.

lamentable blunder

Highlights the clumsiness or seriousness of the mistake.

grievous oversight

Focuses on the negligence or lack of attention that led to the error.

ill-fated mistake

Suggests the error was destined to happen and had negative consequences.

unhappy accident

Downplays the intentionality of the error, portraying it as an unforeseen event.

undesirable slip-up

Highlights the unwanted nature of the mistake and its minor impact.

unpleasant fault

Focuses on the negative feelings associated with the error and assigns blame.

unlucky goof

Presents the error as a result of bad luck and implies a lack of skill.

deplorable lapse

Emphasizes the moral unacceptability or seriousness of the error.

disastrous failure

Highlights the catastrophic consequences and complete lack of success.

FAQs

How to use "unfortunate error" in a sentence?

You can use "unfortunate error" to describe a mistake that has negative consequences. For example, "The delay was due to an "unfortunate error" in scheduling".

What can I say instead of "unfortunate error"?

You can use alternatives like "regrettable mistake", "lamentable blunder", or "grievous oversight" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "unfortunate error" or "unfortunate mistake"?

Both ""unfortunate error"" and "unfortunate mistake" are correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on personal preference.

What's the difference between "unfortunate error" and "honest mistake"?

"Unfortunate error" simply describes a mistake with negative consequences. "Honest mistake" implies the error was unintentional and made in good faith.