unpleasant consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

'unpleasant consequences' is a valid and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to negative results or outcomes of an event or action. For example: "The young man had to face some unpleasant consequences when he got caught stealing from the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That has unpleasant consequences.

The Economist

"But one also needs to see possible unpleasant consequences".

The New York Times

But that freedom can also have some unpleasant consequences.

The New York Times

Waste burial in uncontrolled landfills can cause serious environmental damages and unpleasant consequences.

Waste Management

PARIS DOUBTS CONTINUANCE London Holds Reserve Bank Rate Ought to Be Raised, but Forsees Unpleasant Consequences.

The New York Times

"It means accepting sometimes painful and unpleasant consequences for one's behavior and conduct.

The New York Times - Sports

But there can also be unpleasant consequences: if they eat too much, patients may vomit.

The New York Times

Recently, however, home buyers have also experienced the unpleasant consequences of leverage when home prices fall.

The New York Times

But there could be unpleasant consequences, one analyst tells ISS's Governance Weekly.

The New York Times

But I can't say I'm unaware of the possibility of unpleasant consequences.

The Guardian

The terrorist attacks were warnings to Musharraf that abandoning militants in Kashmir would have unpleasant consequences.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential risks or actions, clearly articulate the "unpleasant consequences" to ensure everyone understands the potential downsides. For example, instead of vaguely saying "there will be problems", specify "there will be "unpleasant consequences", such as project delays and budget overruns".

Common error

While softening the blow is sometimes necessary, avoid using overly vague language to describe "unpleasant consequences". This can minimize the perceived severity and hinder proper planning or preventative measures. Be direct, but tactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unpleasant consequences" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It refers to the negative or undesirable results that follow from a particular action or situation. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is valid and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unpleasant consequences" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes negative results or outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and readily usable part of English. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, science, and academic contexts, serving to warn, inform, or explain potential downsides. While alternatives like "negative repercussions" or "adverse outcomes" exist, "unpleasant consequences" strikes a balance between clarity and neutrality. When writing, it's best to be direct about the potential "unpleasant consequences" to ensure understanding and prevent misinterpretations, while avoiding vague or euphemistic language that might downplay the severity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative repercussions

Replaces "consequences" with "repercussions", emphasizing the indirect or far-reaching effects.

adverse outcomes

Substitutes "unpleasant" with "adverse" and "consequences" with "outcomes", maintaining a formal tone.

undesirable results

Replaces "unpleasant" with "undesirable" and "consequences" with "results", focusing on the unwanted nature of the outcomes.

negative sequelae

Uses the more technical term "sequelae" to refer to the consequences, implying a medical or scientific context.

unfavorable developments

Replaces both "unpleasant" and "consequences" with alternative terms that suggest a worsening situation.

dire ramifications

Emphasizes the severity of the consequences by using "dire" and "ramifications".

ill effects

A more concise alternative, focusing on the harmful effects.

harmful aftermath

Highlights the damage caused in the period following an event.

bitter fruit

Figurative expression indicating negative results from previous actions or decisions.

troublesome aftereffects

Focuses on the problematic nature of the effects occurring after an event.

FAQs

How can I use "unpleasant consequences" in a sentence?

The phrase "unpleasant consequences" is typically used to describe the negative results or outcomes of an action, decision, or event. For example: "Ignoring safety protocols can lead to "serious injuries" and other "unpleasant consequences"".

What are some alternatives to saying "unpleasant consequences"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "negative repercussions", "adverse outcomes", or "undesirable results" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "unpleasant consequences" or "unfortunate consequences"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "unpleasant consequences" emphasizes the disagreeable nature of the results, while "unfortunate consequences" highlights the element of bad luck or chance. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "unpleasant consequences" and "serious consequences"?

"Serious consequences" implies a greater degree of severity or significance than "unpleasant consequences". While "unpleasant consequences" might refer to minor inconveniences or discomfort, "serious consequences" suggest potentially severe or damaging outcomes.