unfortunate soul

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfortunate soul" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is in a regrettable or pitiable situation, often with a tone of sympathy or irony. Example: "He was an unfortunate soul, always finding himself in the wrong place at the wrong time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Leave it in the library and eventually some poor unfortunate soul would read the thing.

The New Yorker

(One unfortunate soul was sentenced to the third-row seat, which is about as supportive as Macaulay Culkin's parents).

The New York Times

My personal winner for meme of 2015 is the dead raccoon, an unfortunate soul, found deceased on a Toronto street.

The Guardian - Tech

Not so for the unfortunate soul in the lavatories at London's Town & Country Club on 15 December 1991.

The Guardian - Music

He was merely the unfortunate soul in relation to whom the words "fucking black cunt" arose on the football pitch.

The Guardian - Sport

Before the birth of the leisure class, sun-darkened skin marked you as the sort of unfortunate soul who toiled in the fields.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

I wonder what fortunate, or unfortunate, souls deserve an X.

The Economist

These unfortunate souls will be "counselled on", or will "go into repositioning".

The Economist

Buddhist China kept a Feast of Wandering Souls each year, designed to help unfortunate souls suffering in the next world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Unfortunate souls trapped in the terminal while waiting out long flight delays are also potential customers.

The New York Times - Travel

In fact, almost all the unfortunate souls that make their living predicting the markets got 2012 wrong.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unfortunate soul" to evoke sympathy or a sense of irony when describing someone experiencing hardship. It's more impactful than simply saying "unlucky person".

Common error

While "unfortunate soul" is widely accepted, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "individual experiencing hardship" or "person in a difficult situation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfortunate soul" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a person who is experiencing bad luck or hardship. As Ludwig AI explains, the expression is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unfortunate soul" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe someone experiencing hardship or bad luck. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to evoke sympathy or, at times, irony. While versatile, it should be used cautiously in formal academic settings, where more neutral language is preferred. Alternatives include "unlucky individual" or "person experiencing hardship". Best practice involves using it for emotional impact, while avoiding overuse in overly formal scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlucky individual

Replaces 'soul' with 'individual', focusing on the person rather than their spiritual essence; maintains a sense of misfortune.

hapless victim

Emphasizes the lack of control and suffering experienced by the person.

ill-fated person

Highlights the role of destiny or fate in the person's misfortune.

pitiful wretch

Conveys a stronger sense of pity and degradation.

doomed character

Suggests an inevitable and tragic outcome.

poor devil

An informal and somewhat archaic expression of sympathy.

jinxed individual

Implies that the person is cursed or prone to bad luck.

stricken being

Emphasizes the suffering and affliction experienced.

forsaken figure

Highlights the sense of abandonment and isolation.

unhappy case

A more formal and detached way of referring to someone in a difficult situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "unfortunate soul" to describe someone experiencing misfortune, such as: "The "unfortunate soul" lost their job and then got a flat tire."

What's a less dramatic alternative to "unfortunate soul"?

Consider using phrases like "unlucky person" or "person experiencing hardship" for a more neutral tone.

Is "unfortunate soul" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "unfortunate soul" may be too informal for academic or professional contexts. Use with caution and consider alternatives.

What is the difference between ""unfortunate soul"" and "tragic figure"?

"Unfortunate soul" often implies a degree of pity or sympathy, while "tragic figure" suggests a more profound and significant misfortune or downfall.