unwelcome revelation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unwelcome revelation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a piece of information or truth that is surprising and not desired by the recipient. Example: "The unexpected news of the company's bankruptcy was an unwelcome revelation to the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And the anti-free market stance of his most recent encyclical, on social and economic questions, came as an unwelcome revelation to his neocon admirers in the US.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is the latest in a string of unwelcome revelations about the vast wealth amassed by those around senior leaders.

The Guardian

So we don't know much about Phil, except that he left Emily with no money and a set of unwelcome revelations.

The New York Times - Books

Paris takes on the character of Sylvie's rueful meditations and unwelcome revelations, and the countryside, seen through Walser's spattered windshield, silently resounds with the horror of stifled history.

The New Yorker

They noted, "Headley's book follows a year in which Scientology has been plagued by unwelcome revelations from high-profile defectors and fresh media investigation into its practices".

Wikipedia

The crisis they face together does not ennoble them, though it does provide a few moments, welcome and unwelcome, of revelation.

The New York Times

The idyllic spot was thrust into an unwelcome spotlight last week with revelations about the shadow chancellor, George Osborne, and his alleged attempts to solicit a £50,000 donation for the Tory party from Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska while holidaying on the island.

The Guardian - Travel

Lance Armstrong has cast a long shadow over the first edition of the Tour since his revelations of serial cheating, prompting no end of unwelcome, but understandable accusations from sceptics suspicious of Froome's performance in the saddle.

The Guardian - Sport

Part of the shock of those revelations came from the dissonance between the allegations against Besh, which include engaging in a "long-term unwelcome sexual relationship" with a female employee (Besh has called the relationship "consensual"), and the story he had sold of himself.

The New Yorker

Foreigners are increasingly unwelcome.

The Economist

That is one unwelcome trend.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unwelcome revelation" when you want to emphasize both the surprising and undesirable nature of a newly discovered fact or truth.

Common error

Avoid using "unwelcome revelation" in situations where a simpler, more direct term like "bad news" or "disappointment" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unwelcome revelation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "unwelcome" modifies the noun "revelation". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English and its role in describing undesired news. Examples illustrate its use across various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unwelcome revelation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that combines the unexpected nature of a revelation with its negative implications. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for describing undesired news or discoveries across various contexts. While it maintains a neutral register, it's most frequently found in news and media sources, emphasizing its role in reporting factual yet unfavorable information. When using the phrase, consider its slightly formal tone and ensure it fits the overall context. Alternatives like "disagreeable disclosure" or "unpleasant discovery" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disagreeable disclosure

Emphasizes the unpleasantness of the information being revealed.

unpleasant discovery

Focuses on the finding of something unwanted or negative.

disturbing disclosure

Highlights the unsettling nature of the revealed information.

shocking disclosure

Emphasizes the surprising and potentially upsetting aspect of the revelation.

surprising disappointment

Combines the element of surprise with the negative emotion of disappointment.

unexpected setback

Highlights the hindrance or problem caused by the unforeseen information.

regrettable discovery

Focuses on the feeling of regret associated with the finding.

disappointing surprise

Highlights the letdown associated with the unexpected information.

unhappy finding

Simple and direct, highlighting the negative nature of the discovery.

disconcerting insight

Focuses on the unsettling and potentially confusing nature of the revelation.

FAQs

How can I use "unwelcome revelation" in a sentence?

You can use "unwelcome revelation" to describe a piece of information that is surprising and unpleasant. For example: "The news of his sudden departure was an "unwelcome revelation" to the team."

What are some alternatives to "unwelcome revelation"?

Some alternatives to "unwelcome revelation" include "disagreeable disclosure", "unpleasant discovery", or "disturbing disclosure". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "unwelcome revelation" formal or informal?

"Unwelcome revelation" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it might be perceived as slightly more formal than a simple phrase like "bad news".

What makes "unwelcome revelation" different from a "surprise"?

While a "surprise" is simply something unexpected, an "unwelcome revelation" specifically refers to an unexpected piece of information that is also undesirable or unpleasant. It carries a negative connotation that "surprise" lacks.