unfortunate for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfortunate for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express regret or disappointment regarding a situation that affects someone negatively. Example: "It is unfortunate for the team that the project was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Discussion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's unfortunate for his creditors".

The New York Times

"That's unfortunate for individual companies.

The New Yorker

Unfortunate for Arguello there.

The Guardian - Sport

That may be unfortunate for Latvia.

The Economist

Which is unfortunate for Mr. Fencik.

The New York Times

And it's unfortunate for us".

The New York Times - Sports

It's unfortunate for Mike Piazza.

The New York Times - Sports

It's unfortunate for Minnesota as well.

The New York Times - Sports

This is unfortunate, for two reasons.

The Washington Post

And it's unfortunate for the fans.

The New York Times - Sports

That's unfortunate for the poor fella.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "regrettable for" or "sad for" to avoid repetition or add nuance to your writing.

Common error

While "unfortunate for" is generally acceptable, overly frequent use in formal or business writing can sound repetitive or less sophisticated. Vary your vocabulary by opting for more formal alternatives such as "detrimental to" or "disadvantageous to" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfortunate for" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to express regret or a negative impact. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form, illustrating its function across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unfortunate for" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to convey regret or highlight the negative impact of a situation on someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, sports, and general discussions, showcasing its versatility. While generally neutral, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "detrimental to" in professional settings. By understanding its nuances and contexts, writers can effectively use "unfortunate for" to express empathy and connect with their audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regrettable for

Emphasizes the feeling of regret associated with the negative situation.

sad for

Highlights the feeling of sadness or sorrow caused by the situation.

disadvantageous to

Focuses on the detrimental effects or drawbacks experienced.

detrimental to

Stresses the harmful or damaging nature of the situation.

unfavorable to

Indicates a lack of support or positive conditions for someone or something.

a blow for

Suggests a setback or negative event impacting someone or something.

tough luck for

Expresses a sense of misfortune or bad circumstances.

a pity for

Highlights the unfortunate aspect and evokes a feeling of sympathy.

too bad for

Expresses a dismissive or resigned attitude towards the misfortune.

a misfortune for

Emphasizes the unfortunate nature of the event or situation.

FAQs

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

Use "unfortunate for" to express regret about a negative situation affecting someone. For example, "It's "unfortunate for" the team that their star player got injured."

What are some alternatives to "unfortunate for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "regrettable for", "sad for", or "disadvantageous to".

Is it always appropriate to use "unfortunate for"?

While generally acceptable, in very formal or business contexts, consider alternatives like "detrimental to" or "unfavorable to" for a more sophisticated tone.

How does "unfortunate for" differ from "unfortunate"?

"Unfortunate" describes the situation itself as bad, while "unfortunate for" specifies who or what is negatively affected by the situation. For instance, "The delay was unfortunate" versus "The delay was "unfortunate for" the clients".