unfortunate occurrence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfortunate occurrence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or situation that is regrettable or undesirable. Example: "The meeting was delayed due to an unfortunate occurrence that affected several team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Inspector Kennedy said: "This is an unfortunate occurrence.

The New York Times

Mr Kramer went on to say: "This is a very rare and unfortunate occurrence.

Independent

The April blowout on the Deepwater Horizon was not some unfortunate occurrence.

The New York Times

This is an unfortunate occurrence both for the employees and their families, as well as for the county.

The New York Times

But her tone was one of casual resignation: it was just one of those things, an unfortunate occurrence to be met with a weary shrug.

The Guardian - Opinion

Among respectable commentators, the predominant view of that unfortunate occurrence has been that it was much ado about not very much.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Unfortunate occurrences can happen, and in these circumstances they can be disastrous.

The Guardian

These unfortunate occurrences deserve our notice but are unrelated and do not reflect any change in the preparedness of our national workforce.

Huffington Post

"This legislation developed from the unfortunate occurrences in Sandy Hook, Tucson, and too many other places in recent years," says Greenwald.

Huffington Post

He bit a Miss Enid Parrish aged 2. Of course he was hastily segregated with the biters but everybody thought it a most unfortunate & inexcusable occurrence.

The New Yorker

Rather, in a thoroughly bourgeois manner, the Samsas see Gregor's plight as "an unfortunate natural family occurrence with which one must reluctantly contend".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for conciseness, consider using alternatives like "mishap" or "setback", especially in less formal writing.

Common error

While "unfortunate occurrence" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler terms like "bad luck" or "tough break" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfortunate occurrence" functions as a noun phrase, where "unfortunate" modifies the noun "occurrence". It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, denoting a specific event with negative connotations. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unfortunate occurrence" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe undesirable events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While versatile, simpler alternatives like "mishap" may be preferable in informal settings. Its usage patterns show frequent appearance in news and media, reflecting its neutral-to-formal register. Remember to consider the audience and context when choosing between "unfortunate occurrence" and its many synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlucky incident

Focuses on the element of bad luck.

regrettable event

Emphasizes the feeling of regret associated with the event.

undesirable incident

Highlights the unwanted nature of the event.

unfavorable situation

Shifts the focus to the broader circumstances rather than a specific event.

adverse development

Implies a negative turn of events or progress.

misfortune

General term for bad luck or an unfortunate event.

bad break

More informal, suggesting a stroke of bad luck.

mishap

Refers to a minor accident or misfortune.

setback

Focuses on the hindrance or delay caused by the event.

calamity

Implies a more serious and disastrous event.

FAQs

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

You can use "unfortunate occurrence" to describe something negative that has happened. For example, "The delay was due to an unfortunate occurrence during transit."

What are some alternatives to "unfortunate occurrence"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "unlucky incident", "regrettable event", or "mishap".

Is "unfortunate occurrence" a formal or informal phrase?

"Unfortunate occurrence" sits in a neutral-to-formal register. It's appropriate for both news reports and business communications, but might sound overly verbose in casual conversation. Consider "bad luck" or "tough break" for informal situations.

What makes an event an "unfortunate occurrence"?

An "unfortunate occurrence" is an event that is both negative and unintentional. It's not necessarily a disaster, but it does have undesirable consequences.