unfortunate point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfortunate point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a negative or regrettable aspect of a situation or argument. Example: "While the proposal has many strengths, the unfortunate point is that it lacks sufficient funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I think it's very important that we don't draw attention to this unfortunate point.

The New York Times - Magazine

"At one unfortunate point in my life," he said drolly, "I was at someone's wedding, and there was karaoke".

The New York Times - Arts

(Until recently, that typically landed at some unfortunate point along the hippie continuum from Jerry of Ben & Jerry's to Jerry Garcia to Charles Manson).

The New York Times

Those who find the international interest over Nicolaides unfortunate point out that few people actually spend any significant amount of time in jail because of the defamation law.

The Guardian - Opinion

A teacher named Miss Rusty publishes a book in which teen-aged boys, named after and resembling her students, sell cocaine, skip school, and, at one unfortunate point, practice "orgasmic moans" that sound like "the soundtrack to teenage gay porn".

The New Yorker

In general the Broadway musical and opera inhabit separate, increasingly distant cultural spheres, but these productions represented a notable — and unfortunate — point of contact: two large-scaled, highly anticipated shows helmed by acclaimed theater directors with international reputations, both of whom were handed fat checks to realize their visions.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

At unfortunate points in its history, the museum, intent on a contemporary focus, sold off its holdings in nineteenth-century art and folk art.

The New Yorker

• To the Editor: In my role as the district attorney of Westchester County, I am often the unfortunate end point for young people who have made a series of bad decisions.

The New York Times

Her teachings are the unfortunate starting point for Christians in the third world and it is birthing even greater heresies.

Huffington Post

To call out the extinction of art is a weak move; an easy way out; an unfortunate, misplaced point between two phrases.

Vice

But his time at Celtic would be short-lived, as an unfortunate debut pointed the way to a less than happy time at Parkhead.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unfortunate point", ensure that the context clearly establishes why the point is considered negative or undesirable. Provide specific details to support your assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "unfortunate point" for minor inconveniences or trivial issues. Reserve it for situations with genuinely negative consequences or implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfortunate point" functions as a noun phrase, where "unfortunate" modifies the noun "point". It serves to qualify a specific detail or aspect as undesirable or regrettable, influencing the overall perception of the situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unfortunate point" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for highlighting a negative aspect or detail. As Ludwig suggests, the phrase can be used without concern. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using the phrase, remember to provide context, avoid overstating the significance, and consider alternatives like ""regrettable aspect"" or ""problematic issue"" to precisely convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regrettable aspect

Focuses on the feeling of regret associated with the point.

undesirable element

Highlights the unwanted nature of the aspect.

negative feature

Emphasizes the adverse quality of the characteristic.

disadvantageous aspect

Stresses the unfavorable nature of the element.

unfavorable detail

Highlights the lack of support from the specific detail.

problematic issue

Focuses on the troubles or difficulties caused by the issue.

drawback

A simpler term for a disadvantage or negative aspect.

downside

Informal term referring to the negative aspects of something.

pitfall

Highlights a hidden danger or difficulty.

weakness

Directly points out an area of vulnerability or deficiency.

FAQs

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

Use "unfortunate point" to highlight a negative or undesirable aspect of a situation. For example: "The unfortunate point is that the project lacks sufficient funding".

What are some alternatives to "unfortunate point"?

You can use alternatives like "regrettable aspect", "negative feature", or "problematic issue" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "unfortunate point" or "bad point"?

"Unfortunate point" generally implies a sense of regret or disappointment, while "bad point" is a more general term for something negative. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "unfortunate point" and "disappointing factor"?

"Unfortunate point" focuses on the negative consequences or implications, while "disappointing factor" emphasizes the feeling of disappointment or unmet expectations. They are similar but have slightly different emotional tones.