unfortunate timing

USAGE SUMMARY

"unfortunate timing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an instance in which something happened at an inopportune time. For example: "It was an unfortunate timing that the power went out just as I was about to give my presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was not the first time that show has endured unfortunate timing.

The New York Times

Was it just unfortunate timing?

The Guardian - Sport

They added, "Talk about unfortunate timing".

The New Yorker

Unfortunate timing, as it turned out.

The New York Times

By unfortunate timing, that country was Libya.

The New York Times

This is partly a product of unfortunate timing.

The New York Times - Science

It was a case of unfortunate timing for Aston.

The New York Times

It was unfortunate timing, a fortnight before the book's release.

The Guardian

True, Dead Aid was launched with peculiarly unfortunate timing.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was odd, unfortunate timing for Mr. Barak.

The New York Times

"In a way [this lunch] is unfortunate timing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unfortunate timing" to politely highlight that an event or action occurred at an inopportune moment, causing inconvenience or negative consequences. This phrase is suitable for professional and neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "unfortunate timing" when the issue is not solely about the timing but due to poor planning or execution. If the problem stems from mismanagement, a more direct criticism is more appropriate than simply labeling it as "unfortunate timing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfortunate timing" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "unfortunate" modifies the noun "timing". It describes a specific instance of something happening at an inauspicious or unfavorable moment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unfortunate timing" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase employed to describe events that occur at an inopportune moment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, and carries a neutral to slightly formal tone. Alternative phrases include "bad timing" and "inopportune moment". When using this phrase, ensure that the issue truly stems from the timing and not from underlying planning or execution failures. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its widespread acceptance and utility in describing various situations affected by inopportune moments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bad timing

This is a more concise and direct synonym.

inopportune moment

Replaces "timing" with a more formal noun.

untimely occurrence

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey a similar meaning.

poorly timed event

Replaces the adjective and noun with a different construction.

ill-timed situation

Uses a hyphenated adjective to describe the situation.

awkward moment

Focuses on the social discomfort caused by the timing.

inconvenient time

Highlights the inconvenience caused.

unfavorable circumstances

Shifts the focus to the overall circumstances rather than just the timing.

contretemps

Uses a more obscure word for an inopportune event.

bad break

More informal way to convey disappointment caused by unfortunate timing.

FAQs

What does "unfortunate timing" mean?

The phrase "unfortunate timing" refers to a situation where something happens at an unsuitable or inconvenient time, leading to negative consequences or missed opportunities.

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

You can use "unfortunate timing" to describe various situations. For instance: "The product launch suffered from "bad timing" due to the economic recession" or "It was "inappropriate timing" for the announcement, given the recent tragedy".

What are some alternatives to "unfortunate timing"?

Alternatives include "bad timing", "inopportune moment", or "ill-timed situation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "unfortunate timing" formal or informal?

"Unfortunate timing" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression, suitable for most professional and news-related contexts. More informal options like "bad break" might be preferred in casual conversation.