unfortunate that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfortunate that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express regret or disappointment about a situation or event. Example: "It is unfortunate that we could not attend the meeting due to scheduling conflicts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

However unfortunate, that would be largely a matter for them.

The Economist

"It is truly unfortunate that Maj.

The New York Times

"It's unfortunate that it happened".

The New York Times

It is unfortunate that Pfc.

The New York Times

It's just unfortunate that it happened here".

Independent

It's unfortunate that we couldn't do it".

The New York Times

And it's unfortunate that it happened.

The Guardian - Sport

It's unfortunate that no one noticed.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's unfortunate that he's actually caught in this situation.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's unfortunate that neither party is willing to admit that".

The New York Times

It was just unfortunate that we had some breakdowns".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unfortunate that" to express mild disappointment or regret about a situation, especially when you want to maintain a neutral or slightly formal tone. For example, "It's unfortunate that the project was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances."

Common error

Avoid using "unfortunate that" in very informal conversations, as it can sound overly formal or stiff. In such cases, opt for simpler alternatives like "it's a shame" or "that's too bad."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfortunate that" functions as a comment clause, introducing a statement that expresses regret, disappointment, or disapproval about a subsequent fact or situation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unfortunate that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey disappointment or regret. Ludwig AI verifies its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral to slightly formal tone. While versatile, it's best to consider the context to ensure the chosen expression aligns with the intended formality. Related alternatives include "regrettable that" and "it's a pity that". However, be mindful not to overuse it in informal conversations, where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's regrettable that

This expression intensifies the level of regret, suggesting a more significant sense of loss or disappointment.

regrettable that

Replaces "unfortunate" with a more formal synonym, suggesting a sense of deep regret.

it's disappointing that

Focuses on the feeling of disappointment resulting from the situation.

it's a pity that

Uses a more colloquial expression to convey disappointment.

it's a shame that

Similar to "it's a pity that", but can also imply a moral dimension of wrongness.

it's a source of regret that

Highlights the feeling of regret as the primary emotion.

sadly

Condenses the expression into a single adverb, offering a more concise way to express regret.

it is lamentable that

Emphasizes the sorrowful nature of the situation.

it's a matter of sorrow that

Elevates the sadness of the situation, implying deeper emotional involvement.

I regret to say that

Shifts the focus to the speaker's personal regret, often used in formal announcements.

FAQs

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

You can use "unfortunate that" to express regret or disappointment about a situation. For example: "It's unfortunate that we couldn't reach an agreement."

What are some alternatives to "unfortunate that"?

You can use alternatives such as "regrettable that", "it's a pity that", or "it's a shame that" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "unfortunate that" in formal writing?

While generally appropriate, consider whether a more direct statement might be more impactful. For example, instead of "It's unfortunate that the results were inconclusive", you could say "The results were inconclusive."

What's the difference between "unfortunate that" and "sad that"?

"Unfortunate that" generally implies a sense of regret or disappointment due to circumstances, while "sad that" indicates a feeling of sorrow or unhappiness. The choice depends on the specific emotion you want to convey.