unfortunate individual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfortunate individual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is experiencing misfortune or hardship, often in a sympathetic or empathetic context. Example: "After losing his job and facing personal challenges, he truly became an unfortunate individual in the eyes of his friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But what becomes of the "unfortunate" individual that ends up in the middle?

Independent

We get to watch this certain character squirm as he uncovers the clues that prove he is this unfortunate individual.

The New York Times

After a few rounds of behind-the-scenes negotiations, a high level US delegation is dispatched to bring home the unfortunate individual.

The Guardian

Yuichi Komano was that unfortunate individual after his Japan team was eliminated by Paraguay on Tuesday in the only shootout to date in this World Cup.

The New York Times - Sports

Even the umpires came in for admiration: It was delightful to hear the umpire yell, "Heez out!" or "Yure out!" and at the same time point with his right hand and index finger to the unfortunate individual who had failed to "make good;" it was like the stern deliverance of a judge recording the death sentence.

The New Yorker

Suppose some unfortunate individual is governed by that institution.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

If this means that the lives, work and reputations of unfortunate individuals must sometimes be adjusted, then that's just too bad.

The Guardian - Film

Players who trespassed on land were sent to Jail, and there the unfortunate individuals had to linger until serving out their time or paying a $50 fine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Or it could be from the French word Chrétien, meaning Christian, in a plea for these unfortunate individuals to be accepted as children of God.

The Guardian

The incompetent care given to him after the injuries he received, which any intern would recognize as a medical emergency, requires an investigation and re-evaluation of the medical care rendered to those unfortunate individuals incarcerated in our jails.

The New York Times

Anaphylaxis probably represents the extreme end of a spectrum of IgE-associated reactivity, which in some unfortunate individuals is either poorly regulated or excessively robust, so the reaction itself can become dangerous to them.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuances of the situation when choosing between "unfortunate individual" and its alternatives. Each phrase carries slightly different connotations.

Common error

Avoid using "unfortunate individual" in informal conversations or casual writing, as it can sound overly formal or even sarcastic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "unlucky person" or "poor guy/gal" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfortunate individual" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "unfortunate" modifies the noun "individual". It's used to describe a person experiencing some form of hardship or bad luck. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unfortunate individual" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone experiencing misfortune. Ludwig AI indicates that it serves to express sympathy or empathy in a neutral to formal context. While not extremely common, it's found in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When using this phrase, consider whether a more casual alternative like "unlucky person" might be more appropriate for informal settings. Be mindful of overusing it in casual conversation as it can come across as overly formal. The related phrases provide a range of semantically similar options to tailor your language to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunate soul

Is very similar to "unfortunate individual" but uses "soul" instead of "individual."

unlucky person

Replaces "individual" with a more general term for someone experiencing bad luck.

victim of circumstance

Highlights that the person's misfortune is due to external factors beyond their control.

ill-fated soul

Emphasizes a sense of destiny or fate contributing to the person's misfortune.

hapless victim

Highlights the person's vulnerability and lack of control over their situation.

poor soul

Expresses pity or sympathy for the person's suffering.

tragic figure

Suggests a more profound and lasting sense of misfortune, often with elements of loss or downfall.

person in distress

Focuses on the person's current state of trouble or suffering.

one who suffers

A more formal and general way of describing someone experiencing hardship.

jinxed person

Implies that the person is consistently prone to bad luck or negative events.

FAQs

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

You can use "unfortunate individual" to describe someone experiencing hardship or misfortune. For example: "After losing his job and facing personal challenges, he truly became an "unfortunate individual" in the eyes of his friends."

What's a more casual way to say "unfortunate individual"?

In more casual settings, you can use phrases like "unlucky person", "poor soul", or simply "unlucky guy" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "unfortunate individual"?

It's appropriate when you want to express sympathy or empathy in a relatively formal way. It's often used in news reports, academic writing, or professional communications.

What's the difference between "unfortunate individual" and "tragic figure"?

"Unfortunate individual" generally refers to someone experiencing bad luck or hardship. "Tragic figure" suggests a more profound and lasting sense of misfortune, often involving loss or downfall.