which is unfortunate

USAGE SUMMARY

'which is unfortunate' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express regret over a situation or outcome. For example, "The wedding was cancelled due to torrential rainfall, which is unfortunate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Which is unfortunate".

The New Yorker

Which is unfortunate for Mr. Fencik.

The New York Times

"Which is unfortunate, because I love America".

The New York Times

Which is unfortunate, because he's lactose-intolerant.

The Guardian - Film

Which is unfortunate, as I do it for a living.

The New Yorker

Ferguson confirmed: "He's got a hamstring injury which is unfortunate.

The Guardian - Sport

Which is unfortunate, because I'm really good at running baths.

The Guardian

Which is unfortunate, because she's apparently dead now.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Our father didn't pressure him to study, which is unfortunate.

The Guardian

Dulles, which is unfortunate as Dulles is far less sympathetic to Nehru than the Pres.

The New Yorker

Dr. Doudna was the only one who declined, which is unfortunate," Dr Lander said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which is unfortunate" to express mild disappointment or regret about a situation, especially when introducing a contrasting or negative consequence.

Common error

Avoid using "which is unfortunate" excessively in highly formal writing. Consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "regrettably" or "deplorably" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is unfortunate" functions as a nonrestrictive relative clause that expresses the speaker's or writer's regret or disappointment regarding a preceding event or situation. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it adds a layer of subjective evaluation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which is unfortunate" is a versatile phrase used to express disappointment or regret, often softening the impact of negative information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. Predominantly found in the News & Media, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for various contexts, although more formal options exist. When writing, be mindful not to overuse it in overly formal settings. Consider similar expressions, such as "which is regrettable" or "it's a shame", for variety. This phrase helps convey your feelings while maintaining a sense of professionalism and empathy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which is regrettable

Slightly more formal and emphasizes a sense of sorrow or disappointment.

it's disappointing

Directly expresses the feeling of disappointment about a situation.

which is a pity

A more colloquial expression of disappointment, often implying a missed opportunity.

it's a shame

A common and slightly less formal way to express regret about a situation.

which is a matter of regret

More formal and emphasizes the feeling of sorrow or remorse.

that's too bad

An informal and empathetic expression of disappointment or sympathy.

which is undesirable

Focuses on the unwanted or unwelcome nature of the situation.

that's a crying shame

An intensifier is added to highlight just how unfortunate a scenario is.

it's a lost cause

Suggests that there is no hope in the situation.

it is to be lamented

Highly formal; it expresses a sorrowful situation.

FAQs

How can I use "which is unfortunate" in a sentence?

Use "which is unfortunate" to express disappointment about a situation. For example, "The event was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, "which is unfortunate"."

What are some alternatives to "which is unfortunate"?

You can use alternatives like "which is regrettable", "it's a shame", or "that's too bad" depending on the context.

Is "which is unfortunate" formal or informal?

"Which is unfortunate" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although slightly more formal alternatives exist for professional writing.

What's the difference between "which is unfortunate" and "which is disappointing"?

While similar, "which is unfortunate" implies a sense of regret over circumstances, whereas "which is disappointing" more directly expresses the feeling of disappointment itself.