utterly unfortunate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly unfortunate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that is extremely regrettable or unlucky. Example: "The cancellation of the event due to bad weather was utterly unfortunate for all the attendees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"This whole thing has become utterly unfortunate," he said, adding that he hoped all those who had withdrawn would reconsider.

The New York Times - Arts

A comment on the article accepted that "the massacre [of the Dalits] was utterly unfortunate, but still, you will have to acknowledge that the contribution of Tendulkar towards this society is really huge, larger than any communist revolution or any bloodthirsty Sena [militia]".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Am I wrong to find it slightly unfortunate (and utterly inevitable) that William Finn, a brilliant composer and lyricist who specializes in gently funny and heartfelt small-scale musicals, is doing a movie adaptation?

The New York Times

This protection on behalf of state enterprises utterly dwarfs the recent unfortunate duties imposed by the U.S. on Chinese steel and other products In general, the transfer of resources to state firms via various subsidies suppresses Chinese consumption, in particular Chinese consumption of foreign goods.

Forbes

It might make us more comfortable to imagine death as being a distinct, unfortunate happening, utterly removed from the beauty and wonder of life, but it's not.

Vice

Most significantly, however we understand the meaning of her words in the unfortunate interview, they are utterly belied by her actions.

The New York Times

This may be technically true, perhaps, but it's unfortunate in its phrasing -- and yet utterly consistent with the dualistic sense of Darwinism as an irreducible biological and social phenomenon.

Huffington Post

I actually thought Hugh Jackman was unfortunate not to be rewarded for his heartfelt and utterly committed performance as Jean Valjean.

The Guardian - Film

The final twist, effective enough (though not very imaginative) as a piece of suspense plotting, has the unfortunate effect of making everything that has come before utterly nonsensical (Scott).

The New York Times

Utterly glorious.

The Guardian - Travel

Utterly absurd.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly unfortunate" to express a strong sense of disappointment or regret regarding an event or situation. It is appropriate when the situation is not just unfortunate, but markedly so.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly unfortunate" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more neutral or precise language, such as "highly regrettable" or "extremely detrimental", to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly unfortunate" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It serves to describe something as being extremely unlucky or regrettable. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly unfortunate" is a grammatically sound and semantically valid expression used to convey a strong sense of disappointment or regret. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and identifies its function as an adjective phrase. While its usage is relatively rare, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider the level of formality required and opt for more neutral alternatives in highly formal settings. Remember, "utterly" intensifies the degree of misfortune, indicating a situation that is significantly more than simply unfortunate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely regrettable

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of regret associated with the unfortunate event.

deeply regrettable

Highlights the intensity of regret, similar to "utterly unfortunate".

extremely unlucky

Focuses on the element of bad luck involved in the situation.

thoroughly disappointing

Emphasizes the level of disappointment caused by the event.

wholly undesirable

Indicates that the event was completely unwanted and unwelcome.

entirely adverse

Highlights the negative and opposing nature of the situation.

absolutely dismal

Focuses on the bleak and depressing nature of the event.

remarkably tragic

Emphasizes the sorrowful and grievous aspect of the event.

exceedingly grim

Stresses the severity and somberness of the situation.

terribly wrong

Highlights the deviation from what is right or desired.

FAQs

How can I use "utterly unfortunate" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly unfortunate" to describe events or situations that are extremely regrettable. For example, "The cancellation of the conference was "utterly unfortunate" for all involved".

What are some alternatives to "utterly unfortunate"?

Alternatives include "completely regrettable", "deeply regrettable", or "extremely unlucky", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "utterly unfortunate" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "utterly unfortunate" may be perceived as less formal. In highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "highly regrettable" or "extremely detrimental".

What distinguishes "utterly unfortunate" from simply "unfortunate"?

The word "utterly" intensifies the degree of misfortune. "Utterly unfortunate" implies a situation that is not just unfortunate, but extremely and thoroughly so.