untoward situation

USAGE SUMMARY

"untoward situation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an unfavorable, difficult, or unpleasant situation. For example, "The company's decline in sales presented an untoward situation that had to be addressed quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"People who are fitter can respond quicker and more efficiently in case of any untoward situation," another airline official said.

Independent

The spokesman added that the Pakistani military "has been providing protection to U.S. troops in a situation of crisis" — a reference to Pakistan's role in the war on terror — "and hence is quite capable to deal with any untoward situation".

The New Yorker

People who are fitter can respond quicker and more efficiently in case of any untoward situation".

Huffington Post

Kobe Bryant and Ray Lewis each had a dramatic untoward situation in the past and today are popular endorsement figures.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Ultimately the FBI found that nothing was untoward in Clinton's situation and while the decision to run her own server was reckless, it was not unprecedented.

TechCrunch

I feel confident that he'd be able to return the favor, given that he can pinpoint the exact moment at a party when I've had too much alcohol or too many interactions with other people and then skillfully extract me from the situation before anything untoward happens.

Vice

Nothing untoward was taking place whatsoever.

BBC

Government officials should avoid putting themselves in any situation that might seem untoward.

Huffington Post

"This sort of incitement would lead more radicals and troublemaking individuals or organisations to take part, making the situation even more chaotic … Untoward incidents can be sparked off any time," he told a press conference.

The Guardian

Leaving aside just how to distinguish between nonconsensual and consensual exploitation, A can arguably exploit B even if B is not coerced (or defrauded), even if there is nothing untoward about B's decision within her objective situation.

SEP

"I think in no way do we want to be seen supportive of anything untoward," he said, adding that it would be a "real perilous situation" if the election were abrogated.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "untoward situation" to describe a situation that is not only negative but also unexpected or inappropriate. It's suitable when the circumstance deviates from what is considered normal or acceptable.

Common error

Avoid using "untoward situation" when a simpler term like "bad situation" or "difficult situation" suffices. The word "untoward" adds a layer of inappropriateness or unexpectedness that must be present for the phrase to be accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "untoward situation" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "untoward" modifies the noun "situation". Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It describes a particular state of affairs.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "untoward situation" is a grammatically correct and usable way to describe an unfavorable, difficult, or unpleasant situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral register. When using this phrase, remember that it implies not just negativity, but also a sense of unexpectedness or inappropriateness. Alternative phrases like "unfortunate circumstance" or "adverse event" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. It is advisable to reserve this phrase for when the situation has an element of impropriety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunate circumstance

Focuses on the element of bad luck or misfortune.

undesirable outcome

Focuses specifically on the unfavorable result.

adverse event

Emphasizes the negative and potentially harmful outcome.

unfavorable condition

Highlights the disadvantageous aspect of the situation.

difficult predicament

Highlights the challenging and complex nature of the situation.

negative occurrence

Emphasizes the fact that something bad has taken place.

unpleasant development

Understates the negativity, focusing on the unfolding of events.

complicated matter

Highlights the complexity and potential for confusion.

awkward scenario

Suggests a socially uncomfortable or embarrassing situation.

challenging affair

Softens the negativity by referring to a difficulty as an "affair".

FAQs

How can I use "untoward situation" in a sentence?

You can use "untoward situation" to describe a negative and unexpected event, like in the sentence: "The sudden market crash created an "untoward situation" for many investors."

What's a good alternative for "untoward situation"?

Alternatives include "unfortunate circumstance", "adverse event", or "difficult predicament", each emphasizing different aspects of the negative event.

When is it appropriate to use "untoward situation"?

Use "untoward situation" when the situation is not only negative but also inappropriate or unexpected. It suggests a deviation from what is normal or acceptable.

What is the difference between "untoward situation" and "unfortunate situation"?

"Unfortunate situation" simply implies bad luck or a negative outcome. "Untoward situation" adds the connotation of impropriety, unexpectedness, or something that deviates from the norm. For example, a data breach might be described as an "untoward situation".