unfortunately for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfortunately for" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to introduce an unfortunate circumstance, and can be used in a variety of contexts. For example: Unfortunately for John, his presentation did not go as planned.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unfortunately for her, it backfired.

The New York Times

Not much, unfortunately for Scudamore.

The Guardian - Sport

Unfortunately for Jose, it might.

The New York Times - Sports

Unfortunately for him, he was unconvincing.

The New York Times

And unfortunately for "Today" viewers have alternatives.

The New York Times - Arts

Unfortunately for Mr. Ma, it is.

The New York Times

Unfortunately for Lewis, it did not last.

The New York Times

Unfortunately for Wenger, so are Arsenal.

Independent

(Unfortunately for him, he's an inny).

The New Yorker

Unfortunately for Chávez, the rebellion quickly collapsed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Unfortunately for Reyes, Wilpon may be right.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unfortunately for" to smoothly introduce a contrasting or negative outcome, creating a clear cause-and-effect relationship within your sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "unfortunately for" as a standalone sentence or at the very beginning of a paragraph; this can disrupt the flow and diminish the impact. Ensure it connects logically to the preceding context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfortunately for" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the sentence to express regret or disappointment about a negative situation impacting someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly introduces an unfortunate circumstance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unfortunately for" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce negative outcomes or situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It's prevalence in News & Media highlights its utility in reporting on unfavorable events. While the phrase is suitable for various contexts, writers should use it judiciously to avoid disrupting the flow of their writing. Remember to clearly specify who or what is affected by the unfortunate circumstance. Consider alternatives like "sadly for" or "regrettably for" in specific contexts to add nuance or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sadly for

Direct synonym, conveying sorrow about the negative outcome.

regrettably for

Emphasizes the feeling of regret associated with the situation.

unluckily for

Simple synonym, highlighting the lack of good fortune.

to their misfortune

Highlights the element of bad luck or adverse fate.

to their detriment

Focuses on the harm or damage caused by the situation.

as luck would have it, for

Adds a tone of ironic fate or circumstance.

alas, for

Introduces a sense of lament or woe.

it's a pity for

Expresses disappointment or sadness about the situation.

by ill luck, for

Emphasizes the negative impact of chance or fate.

in an unfavorable turn of events, for

Highlights the unexpected and negative change in circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "unfortunately for" in a sentence?

Use "unfortunately for" to introduce an unfavorable situation affecting a person, group, or thing. For instance, "Unfortunately for the home team, the star player was injured."

What can I say instead of "unfortunately for"?

You can use alternatives like "sadly for", "regrettably for", or "to their misfortune" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify who or what is affected after using "unfortunately"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying who or what is affected after "unfortunately" (using "unfortunately for [affected party]") provides clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example "The weather was terrible, unfortunately for those who planned a picnic" is better than "The weather was terrible, unfortunately."

Can "unfortunately for" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "unfortunately for" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Its impact is neutral and fits most registers, but consider alternatives like "regrettably for" in highly formal contexts.