unpalatable thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unpalatable thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unpleasant or difficult to accept, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The unpalatable thing about the new policy is that it may lead to job losses for many employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Unable to find a private buyer with access to enough cash to take the bank off its hands, the government refuses to do the politically unpalatable thing and nationalise it.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Countries do unpalatable things in wartime, and collateral damage is common.

The New York Times

Making unpalatable things bearable has been the order of the week.

The Guardian - Opinion

I have failed dismally because tomatoes resent pots, and show their resentment by doing many unpalatable things, like dying.

The New York Times

He said with a smile and a twinkle – a large part of his charisma lies in saying unpalatable things in a charming way.

The Guardian - Opinion

Another corporation insider said: "There is a lot of blue sky thinking about how to make savings, and there is a long list of really unpalatable things on it and probably Newsnight is one of those".

The Guardian

Relocation is unpalatable no matter how you look at it.

The New York Times

Writer tells about the various things: strange, unpalatable, items that symposiasts, present or past, had consumed--from ground bats' wings to frogs' ovaries.

The New Yorker

"The News from Ireland" (1986), his story of the potato famine, is glutted with lies and deceptions, from a road to nowhere – an insulting labour project ill-suited to weak, hungry men – to the governess Miss Heddoe's self-deceiving assertion that "I do not know these things", denying unpalatable truths she had earlier begun to apprehend.

The Guardian - Books

Be it Dallas or Paris, the tasteless joke is not the same thing as the unpalatable truth.

The Guardian - Opinion

But you know, John, there comes a time when you just have to face up to the facts, unpalatable as they are: some things in life really are more important than football.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unpalatable thing" when you want to describe something that is not only unpleasant but also difficult to accept or tolerate, often due to moral or ethical considerations.

Common error

Avoid using "unpalatable thing" in casual conversation; it's often perceived as overly formal or dramatic. Simpler terms like "bad thing" or "unpleasant situation" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unpalatable thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "unpalatable" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "thing". According to Ludwig AI, this expression is correct and usable in written English, often serving to identify a specific item or situation characterized by unpleasant or unacceptable qualities.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unpalatable thing" is a valid and usable expression in English, primarily functioning as a noun phrase that denotes something unpleasant and difficult to accept. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples predominantly from news and media sources. While grammatically sound and carrying a neutral to formal tone, it is relatively rare. Alternatives like "unpleasant matter" or "distasteful issue" may offer similar meanings in different registers. In essence, use "unpalatable thing" to emphasize the challenging nature of accepting a particular situation, but be mindful of its formality in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpleasant matter

Replaces "thing" with a more formal term, suggesting a serious or official context.

distasteful issue

Emphasizes the negative feelings associated with the matter.

undesirable situation

Shifts the focus to the circumstances rather than a specific object or concept.

unwelcome prospect

Highlights the anticipation of something negative occurring.

unpleasant reality

Focuses on the truth being difficult to accept.

difficult pill to swallow

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the idea of something hard to accept.

awkward predicament

Emphasizes the uncomfortable or embarrassing nature of the situation.

unfortunate circumstance

Highlights the lack of control or bad luck associated with the event.

unattractive option

Focuses on the lack of appeal or desirability of a particular choice.

disagreeable fact

Stresses that a certain piece of information is not pleasant.

FAQs

How can I use "unpalatable thing" in a sentence?

You can use "unpalatable thing" to describe a difficult or unpleasant truth that needs to be faced. For example, "The "unpalatable thing" about the company's financial situation is that layoffs are inevitable".

What are some alternatives to saying "unpalatable thing"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "unpleasant matter", "distasteful issue", or "undesirable situation".

Is "unpalatable truth" similar in meaning to "unpalatable thing"?

While both phrases describe something unpleasant, "unpalatable truth" specifically refers to a difficult fact, whereas ""unpalatable thing"" can refer to a broader range of issues or situations that are unpleasant or unacceptable.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "unpalatable thing"?

It's appropriate to use "unpalatable thing" in formal writing or speech when you want to emphasize the difficulty in accepting a particular situation, decision, or fact. It conveys a sense of something being not only unpleasant but also morally or ethically challenging.