unfortunate incident

USAGE SUMMARY

"unfortunate incident" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a negative event, usually one that was unexpected and unwanted. For example: "The new CEO's sudden resignation was an unfortunate incident that has thrown the company into disarray."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Discussion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It's a very unfortunate incident".

The New York Times

It was an unfortunate incident.

The New York Times - Sports

"This was an unfortunate incident.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was an unfortunate incident all around".

The New York Times

It is a very unfortunate incident".

The Guardian

"It was an unfortunate incident," Roberts said.

The New York Times - Sports

We've already had an unfortunate incident.

The Guardian - Sport

"This was an unfortunate incident," he said.

The New York Times

"It was an unfortunate incident," MetroStars Coach Octavio Zambrano said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a regrettable and unfortunate incident," he said.

The New York Times

We had a slightly unfortunate incident with John Stones.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unfortunate incident" to politely downplay a negative event without dwelling on blame or severe consequences. It's particularly useful in professional settings or when aiming for neutrality.

Common error

Avoid using "unfortunate incident" when a more specific and transparent description is warranted. Overusing it can make you seem evasive or insincere, especially when addressing serious issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfortunate incident" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "unfortunate" modifies the noun "incident". It is used to describe a specific event that is considered undesirable or regrettable. Ludwig's examples show it often appears in news reports and formal statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unfortunate incident" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a negative or regrettable event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While it's suitable for formal and neutral communication, be mindful of potential overuse, which may come across as evasive. Consider related phrases like "regrettable event" or "undesirable occurrence" to add nuance. By understanding its function and usage patterns, writers can effectively employ "unfortunate incident" to convey information with clarity and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regrettable event

Focuses more on the feeling of regret associated with the event.

undesirable occurrence

Emphasizes the unwanted nature of the event.

lamentable situation

Highlights the sorrowful or pitiable aspect of the situation.

unhappy circumstance

Broadly describes a situation that causes sadness or displeasure.

adverse event

Used in more formal or technical contexts to describe a harmful occurrence.

unpleasant episode

Suggests a brief and disagreeable event.

untoward happening

Implies something inappropriate or unexpected has occurred.

ill-fated event

Conveys a sense of doom or misfortune surrounding the event.

deplorable situation

Emphasizes the shocking or disgraceful nature of the situation.

mishap

Describes a minor accident or misfortune.

FAQs

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

You can use "unfortunate incident" to describe a regrettable or unwelcome event. For example: "The data breach was an "unfortunate incident" for the company.".

What are some alternatives to "unfortunate incident"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "regrettable event", "undesirable occurrence", or "unhappy circumstance".

Is it appropriate to use "unfortunate incident" in formal writing?

Yes, "unfortunate incident" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when aiming for a neutral or diplomatic tone. However, ensure it doesn't diminish the gravity of a serious situation.

What's the difference between "unfortunate incident" and "tragic event"?

"Unfortunate incident" generally refers to a less severe occurrence, while "tragic event" describes something much more serious, often involving loss of life or significant suffering.