very unfortunate

USAGE SUMMARY

"very unfortunate" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is generally used to express disappointment, sorrow, or regret about something. For example: It was very unfortunate that the power went out in the middle of the movie.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very unfortunate.

The Guardian

"It's very unfortunate".

The New Yorker

It is very unfortunate".

The New York Times

A very unfortunate experience.

The New Yorker

This is very unfortunate.

The Economist

So it's very unfortunate.

The New York Times - Sports

Very unfortunate and frustrating.

Cornell University

"Obviously it's very unfortunate.

The Washington Post

Very, very unfortunate.

Harvard Business Review

"I guess it's very unfortunate.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a very unfortunate incident".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very unfortunate", consider the audience and context to ensure the level of formality is appropriate. In professional settings, a more formal alternative like "deeply regrettable" may be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "very unfortunate" in overly casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal or insincere. Opt for simpler expressions like "that's too bad" or "that's a shame" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

Very unfortunate primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a situation or event to express disappointment or regret. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts ranging from personal experiences to global events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very unfortunate" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express disappointment or regret. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and widely accepted expression in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, but also in Academia and Business contexts, its usage frequency is very common. When employing the phrase, consider the tone and audience, opting for more formal synonyms like "truly regrettable" in certain settings or more casual alternatives like "that's too bad" in informal conversation. While generally neutral, be mindful of overuse in overly informal contexts where it may sound insincere.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite unfortunate

Offers a slightly milder expression of disappointment.

truly regrettable

Emphasizes a stronger sense of sorrow or remorse.

seriously regrettable

Indicates a grave level of regret.

deeply disappointing

Focuses on the frustration and letdown caused by an event.

extremely regrettable

Expresses a heightened level of regret.

bitterly disappointing

Highlights the intense disappointment and negative emotions.

a crying shame

Strongly emphasizes the regrettable or unfair nature of something.

a real shame

A more informal way of expressing regret or disappointment.

unhappy circumstance

Focuses on the condition or situation that caused the misfortune.

sadly mistaken

Implies an error or misunderstanding leading to an undesirable outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "very unfortunate" to express disappointment or regret about a situation. For example, "It's "very unfortunate" that the event was cancelled".

What are some alternatives to "very unfortunate"?

Alternatives include "truly regrettable", "deeply disappointing", or "a real shame", depending on the context and level of formality.

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

Yes, "very unfortunate" is suitable for formal writing, although stronger or more precise alternatives might sometimes be preferable. Consider "extremely regrettable" for a more emphatic tone.

What is the difference between "unfortunate" and "very unfortunate"?

Adding "very" intensifies the degree of regret or disappointment. While "unfortunate" simply acknowledges an unfavorable situation, ""very unfortunate"" emphasizes the significance of the misfortune.