unfortunately at this time

USAGE SUMMARY

"unfortunately at this time" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express regret that something is not possible or available at the present. For example, "Unfortunately at this time, due to Covid-19, we are unable to offer our usual services."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Unfortunately, at this time CCARE is not able to administer a formal volunteer program.

Stanford University

Unfortunately, at this time, CCARE is not accepting applications for internships.

Stanford University

Unfortunately, at this time, we do not provide feedback on individual applications.

Harvard University

Unfortunately, at this time, that's all I can say, and I'll have no further comments".

The New York Times

Unfortunately, at this time we are unable to select these patients or determine which regimen will produce this desired result.

Stanford University

Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer housing, liability coverage, or compensation, however we are able to assist students in finding temporary accommodations.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

We have compared emPHasis-10 with a number of other questionnaires but not to CAMPHOR; unfortunately, at the time this study was conducted permission to use CAMPHOR was declined.

European Respiratory Journal

Unfortunately, at the time of this survey, varenicline was not yet approved for use in Canada and was not collected by the CCHS.

BMJ Open

Efficient blocking is the key to achieving the desired end result and unfortunately, at the time of this writing, we have not found an effective means to achieve that result.

Chemistry of Materials

Jurisdiction could be handed over to the International Criminal Court if only wiser statesmanship would prevail over partisan nationalism, unfortunately unlikely at this time.

Huffington Post

"You don't understand the history if you don't appreciate that the involvement of these units in the past ‑ totally unaccountable ‑ has led to the same type of suffering as that that has unfortunately been endured at this time by the families of the two British soldiers who were killed".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unfortunately at this time", clearly explain the reason for the inability or unavailability to maintain transparency and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "unfortunately at this time" repeatedly without giving specific reasons, as this can sound evasive or insincere. Always provide a brief explanation to soften the impact of the negative news.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfortunately at this time" serves as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express regret or disappointment about a situation that is currently not possible or available. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unfortunately at this time" functions as an adverbial phrase expressing regret about a current situation. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across various platforms. It's commonly found in academic, news, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal tone. When employing this phrase, providing a clear reason for the current inability is advisable to maintain transparency. Related phrases like "regrettably, not now", or "it is not feasible currently" can provide alternative wording. Remember to avoid overuse without context to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regrettably, not now

Focuses on the immediate inability, emphasizing regret more succinctly.

it is not feasible currently

Emphasizes the lack of practicality or possibility in the present situation.

we are unable to proceed presently

Highlights the inability to continue or start something in the existing circumstances.

sadly, it's not possible right now

Uses "sadly" to express the unfortunate nature of the current impossibility.

we can't accommodate that request just yet

Specifically addresses the inability to fulfill a request in the immediate future.

presently, that option is unavailable

Directly states that a particular choice or alternative is not accessible at the moment.

circumstances prevent us at the moment

Attributes the inability to external factors and the present timeframe.

for now, we must decline

Suggests a temporary refusal due to the existing situation.

currently, our hands are tied

Indicates a lack of agency or freedom to act due to the current situation.

as things stand, we cannot

Focuses on the existing state of affairs as the reason for the inability.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "unfortunately at this time" to sound more optimistic?

Try alternatives that suggest a future possibility, such as "We hope to offer this service soon" or "We anticipate being able to assist you with this in the coming months."

What's a more formal substitute for "unfortunately at this time"?

Consider using phrases like "Regrettably, we are unable to proceed presently" or "Due to unforeseen circumstances, this is not feasible currently". These alternatives maintain a professional tone while conveying the same meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "unfortunately at this time"?

Use "unfortunately at this time" when you need to convey that something isn't possible now, but might be in the future. It's suitable in situations where a temporary limitation exists, such as a service being unavailable or a request that can't be fulfilled immediately.

Are there contexts where I should avoid using "unfortunately at this time"?

It's best to avoid using "unfortunately at this time" in situations that require a definitive answer or commitment. If you know something will never be possible, be direct instead of implying temporary unavailability. For a firmer tone, consider stating the reason for impossibility directly.