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Meaning & use

sorry state of affairs

phrase·Academicdisapproving

Last updated

UK/ˌsɒri steɪt əv əˈfeəz/
US/ˌsɑːri steɪt əv əˈferz/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrasedisapproving

    A bad, disappointing situation that ought to be better.

    Grammar: Usually follows an or this: it's a sorry state of affairs.

    Patterns

    • a sorry state of affairs
    • a sorry state of affairs when something happens

    It's a sorry state of affairs when nurses can't afford rent.

    The empty shelves were a sorry state of affairs.

    This is a sorry state of affairs for a school with such a proud history.

  2. phrasefixed phraseformal

    A comment used to criticize how poorly something has been managed or allowed to decline.

    Grammar: Often introduces criticism of people responsible.

    Patterns

    • call it a sorry state of affairs

    The editor called the news coverage a sorry state of affairs.

    Residents described the neglected park as a sorry state of affairs.

    What a sorry state of affairs our train service has become.

Common combinations

a sorry state of affairs
The unfinished road is a sorry state of affairs.
describe as a sorry state of affairs
The mayor described it as a sorry state of affairs.
it's a sorry state of affairs when
It's a sorry state of affairs when kids can't play outside.
this sorry state of affairs
How did we reach this sorry state of affairs?
sad state of affairs
The rundown library is a sad state of affairs.

Synonyms and how they differ

sad state of affairs
Sad state of affairs sounds gentler and more sympathetic, while sorry carries more criticism.
disgrace
Disgrace is stronger and implies shame, while a sorry state of affairs is milder.
mess
Mess is informal and suggests disorder, whereas the longer phrase sounds more measured.
deplorable situation
Deplorable situation is more formal and stronger in tone.

Opposites

happy outcome

Word family

sorry adjective
poor, pitiful
state noun
the condition of something
affairs noun
matters or events
sorrily adverb
in a pitiful way

Commonly confused: sorry state of affairs or state of affairs?

sorry state of affairs vs state of affairs

State of affairs alone is neutral, but adding sorry makes it a complaint.

Practice

It's a ___ state of affairs when a hospital has to turn patients away for lack of beds.

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