unfortunate news

USAGE SUMMARY

'unfortunate news' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to news that is unwelcome or undesirable, e.g., "I'm sorry to be the bearer of such unfortunate news, but your flight has been cancelled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Regrettably, we have some unfortunate news to share, as due to studio scheduling conflicts related to their new album, LCD Soundsystem have had to cancel their upcoming Asian tour at the end of the year, now including their appearance at Clockenflap 2016," the festival wrote.

Vice

I'm afraid there's unfortunate news.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I said: 'I have some unfortunate news.

The New York Times

How should I have responded after learning her unfortunate news?

The New York Times

Meanwhile yet more unfortunate news has emerged for torchbearers.

Independent

Mr Shkreli's arrest was thus unfortunate news for the rapper.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

In court, the judge cited the prosecutors' letter and said it was unfortunate that news accounts of Mr. Ricco's statements "could interfere" with the deliberations.

The New York Times

This unfortunate eviction news now means that fans will have to miss out on Moore's curious Twitpics of the property and the random birds that roamed her former front yard.

Huffington Post

This was unfortunate, since the news organizations were sending full details around the country.

The New York Times - Arts

The movie and the album would not have been so damaging if they had not been accompanied by an unfortunate series of news reports and public appearances.

The New York Times

These unfortunate souls, whose news organizations undoubtedly paid through the nose for the privilege of accompanying the candidate, had hardly gotten a word with him since he landed in London.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When delivering "unfortunate news", be direct and empathetic. Acknowledge the impact the information may have on the recipient.

Common error

Avoid softening "unfortunate news" with vague or overly optimistic language. While sensitivity is important, being clear and direct prevents misunderstanding and builds trust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfortunate news" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "unfortunate" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "news". It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, introducing information that is unwelcome or undesirable. Ludwig AI validates its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unfortunate news" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce negative or unwelcome information. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When delivering "unfortunate news", clarity and empathy are key. While similar phrases like "bad tidings" or "distressing developments" may offer alternative shades of meaning, "unfortunate news" provides a balanced and widely understood way to convey difficult information effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpleasant update

Similar to "unfortunate news", but slightly less formal and more commonly used in professional settings.

regrettable announcement

Highlights the speaker's sorrow or regret in having to share the news.

disheartening information

Focuses on the emotional impact of the news, emphasizing feelings of sadness or discouragement.

distressing developments

Emphasizes the unfolding nature of the news, suggesting a sequence of negative events.

unfavorable report

A neutral alternative that underlines the non-desirable aspect of information.

bad tidings

Implies a more formal or old-fashioned way of delivering negative information.

worrisome intelligence

Implies that the news is concerning and may require attention or action.

grim report

Suggests that the news is serious and possibly alarming.

grave message

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential consequences of the news.

dire communication

Suggests that the news is extremely urgent and alarming.

FAQs

How can I deliver "unfortunate news" effectively?

Begin by expressing empathy, state the "unfortunate news" clearly and concisely, provide context without excessive detail, and offer support or solutions if possible.

What's a less formal way to say "unfortunate news"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "bad news", "sad news", or "disappointing news".

Is it ever appropriate to delay delivering "unfortunate news"?

In some situations, such as when gathering more information or preparing support resources, a brief delay may be justified. However, avoid unnecessary delays that could cause further anxiety or complications.

What are some phrases similar to "unfortunate news" that I can use in formal writing?

Consider using "regrettable announcement", "unfavorable report", or "distressing developments" to convey a similar meaning in a more formal tone.