unfortunate lot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfortunate lot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people or individuals who are in a difficult or unfortunate situation. Example: "They were an unfortunate lot, struggling to make ends meet in a challenging economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

On the unfortunate lot of a lumbering Adelaide ruckman: Shaun Rehn has been terrific again today but look at him, he's paid a price.

The Guardian - Sport

Such is the unfortunate lot of a lab rodent that she was kept on a near-starvation diet when she was close to giving birth.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

For one thing, Segway went through the hassle of getting the little scooter certified under UL's 2272 electrical system safety guidelines, which revolve around the battery and charging systems that have led to a lot of very unfortunate circumstances – and some fairly memorable Instagram videos.

TechCrunch

Frank has been ordered to take an anger-management course following an unfortunate parking lot incident, and the couple's house may go into foreclosure.

The New York Times

Derek Brown, who started 40 years of work as a shipwright when he was 15, said: "For years it's been run down but it's unfortunate a lot of people will lose their jobs - people with mortgages and bills to pay.

BBC

"It's unfortunate, but a lot of people are not covered for the damages that the storm created," Mr. Kielbasa said.

The New York Times

"It's unfortunate that a lot of people in the community, especially artists, think that because theaters have these programs they're nurturing innovative work.

The New York Times

It's unfortunate, because a lot of people who could probably derive some significant benefit from edible forms of cannabis get turned off the first time they try it because not enough information is available to them.

The Guardian

"It's unfortunate that a lot of general surgeons, breast surgeons and plastic surgeons don't mention it," said Ms. Hodges, who underwent one of the surgeries, known as a GAP flap, last year.

The New York Times - Health

This has led to some unfortunate mannerisms: a lot of swooping up to high notes; a breathiness in some notes as if to emphasize their unoperatic naturalness; and, similarly, an artless flatness of some vowels which may be a deliberate attempt to approach speech but also makes for some unintentionally ugly sounds.

The New York Times - Arts

It's unfortunate that a lot of the analysts thought we'd do even better".

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "unfortunate lot" with specific details about the group's circumstances to provide context and enhance the reader's understanding of their plight.

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, "unfortunate lot" can sound informal or overly emotional in formal or professional settings. Opt for more neutral phrasing like "disadvantaged group" or "those facing challenges" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfortunate lot" functions primarily as a noun phrase that includes an adjective. It serves to describe a group of people who are in a state of misfortune or hardship. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unfortunate lot" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression, primarily functioning as a noun phrase to describe a group experiencing hardship. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity, although its usage is relatively rare, mainly appearing in News & Media contexts. When writing, it's best to use "unfortunate lot" to express sympathy for a group's difficulties, and to avoid it in highly formal contexts, opting instead for more neutral alternatives such as "disadvantaged group".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlucky bunch

Replaces "lot" with "bunch", suggesting a slightly less formal tone but maintaining the core meaning of a group experiencing misfortune.

ill-fated group

Emphasizes a sense of destiny or doom contributing to their unfortunate situation, adding a layer of drama.

hapless individuals

Focuses on the lack of control these individuals have over their circumstances, highlighting their vulnerability.

pitiful crowd

Evokes a stronger sense of sympathy or even disdain, depending on the context, compared to the more neutral "unfortunate lot".

wretched souls

Implies a deeper level of suffering or misery, suggesting a more severe state of unhappiness.

unenvied group

Highlights the lack of desirability in their situation, focusing on the perspective of others not wanting to be in their position.

disadvantaged set

Emphasizes the systemic barriers or inequalities contributing to their misfortune, often used in social or economic contexts.

doomed company

Suggests an inevitable and often tragic outcome, carrying a stronger sense of foreboding than "unfortunate lot".

jinxed crew

Indicates a supernatural element or persistent bad luck affecting the group, introducing a sense of superstition.

unblessed souls

Suggests the lack of divine favor, the absence of positive higher power influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "unfortunate lot" to describe a group of people experiencing hardship or unfavorable circumstances. For example, "The refugees were an "unfortunate lot", having lost their homes and livelihoods."

What are some alternatives to "unfortunate lot"?

Alternatives include "unlucky bunch", "ill-fated group", or "hapless individuals", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "unfortunate lot" a formal or informal expression?

"Unfortunate lot" leans towards the informal side. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "disadvantaged group" or "those facing challenges".

What does "unfortunate lot" imply?

"Unfortunate lot" suggests that a group is experiencing bad luck or difficult circumstances, often eliciting sympathy or concern.