Sometimes, words matter more than we realize. Saying “that sucks” can feel quick and natural, but it doesn’t always convey the care and thoughtfulness we want. Finding the right words can make your message feel warmer, more personal, and empathetic. Using alternative expressions allows you to show understanding while keeping your tone considerate. Below, we explore 25 alternatives to say “that sucks”, complete with explanations, examples, and guidance for using them in real-life situations.
What Does “That Sucks” Mean?
“That sucks” is a casual phrase people use to express sympathy, disappointment, or frustration about an unfortunate situation. It conveys understanding but in an informal and sometimes blunt way.
When to Use “That Sucks”
Use “that sucks” when you want to show empathy or disappointment in a casual conversation with friends or peers. It works well in informal chats but may not always be suitable for professional settings.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “That Sucks”?
No, “that sucks” is generally considered informal. While it’s fine among friends, in professional or sensitive contexts, using a more thoughtful alternative will make your message come across as caring and polished.
Pros and Cons of Saying “That Sucks”
Pros:
- Quick and relatable
- Shows empathy in casual situations
Cons:
- Too informal for professional use
- May sound insensitive if overused or said to someone in a serious situation
Synonyms For “That Sucks”
- That’s Tough
- I’m Sorry That Happened
- That’s Unfortunate
- What a Bummer
- That Must Be Frustrating
- I Can Imagine That’s Hard
- That’s Rough
- I Feel for You
- That’s a Shame
- Sorry You’re Going Through That
- That Sounds Awful
- That’s a Tough Break
- I Understand How That Feels
- That Must Be Disappointing
- I Can See Why You’re Upset
- That Sounds Really Hard
- That’s a Real Pain
- I Wish That Didn’t Happen
- That’s Disheartening
- That Must Be Rough on You
- That Sounds Like a Challenge
- I Can See That Was Difficult
- That’s Rough Luck
- I Know That Feels Tough
- That Can Be Hard to Handle
1. That’s Tough
Meaning / Definition: A gentle way to acknowledge difficulty or hardship.
Tone: Warm, empathetic
Detailed Explanation: Shows understanding without sounding harsh. It’s supportive and neutral.
Scenario Example: “You lost your wallet? That’s tough. I hope it turns up soon.”
Best Use: Personal conversations, casual but thoughtful support.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Avoid in highly formal communications.
2. I’m Sorry That Happened
Meaning / Definition: Expresses direct sympathy.
Tone: Caring, personal
Detailed Explanation: Focuses on the situation and shows you genuinely empathize.
Scenario Example: “You didn’t get the job? I’m sorry that happened.”
Best Use: Any personal or professional context that requires empathy.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Avoid if the listener wants actionable advice instead of sympathy.
3. That’s Unfortunate
Meaning / Definition: A formal way to acknowledge a negative outcome.
Tone: Neutral, polite
Detailed Explanation: Good for professional emails or formal conversations.
Scenario Example: “The meeting got canceled? That’s unfortunate.”
Best Use: Professional and polite responses.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Too formal for casual texts with friends.
4. What a Bummer
Meaning / Definition: Casual expression for disappointment.
Tone: Friendly, informal
Detailed Explanation: Lighthearted way to show empathy without sounding heavy.
Scenario Example: “You missed the concert? What a bummer.”
Best Use: Social media, texts, or casual conversations.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Avoid in serious or professional contexts.
5. That Must Be Frustrating
Meaning / Definition: Shows understanding of someone’s feelings.
Tone: Empathetic, considerate
Detailed Explanation: Focuses on emotions rather than the event itself.
Scenario Example: “Your car broke down again? That must be frustrating.”
Best Use: One-on-one conversations, counseling, or empathetic messages.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: When the person prefers direct solutions instead of emotional validation.
6. I Can Imagine That’s Hard
Meaning / Definition: Shows compassion and imagination of the other’s struggle.
Tone: Caring, supportive
Detailed Explanation: Encourages connection by showing you’re thinking from their perspective.
Scenario Example: “Moving to a new city is stressful? I can imagine that’s hard.”
Best Use: Building emotional trust in personal or professional relationships.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Avoid if the listener wants humor or distraction rather than sympathy.
7. That’s Rough
Meaning / Definition: Casual acknowledgment of difficulty or pain.
Tone: Informal, empathetic
Detailed Explanation: Quick and conversational, common in everyday speech.
Scenario Example: “Your laptop crashed right before the deadline? That’s rough.”
Best Use: Friendly, informal settings.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Avoid in formal emails or serious reports.
8. I Feel for You
Meaning / Definition: Expresses empathy and emotional alignment.
Tone: Warm, heartfelt
Detailed Explanation: Shows you understand the listener’s pain on a personal level.
Scenario Example: “You’ve been working late every night? I feel for you.”
Best Use: Personal relationships or one-on-one conversations.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Avoid when empathy alone may seem insufficient.
9. That’s a Shame
Meaning / Definition: Polite expression of regret for someone’s misfortune.
Tone: Polite, neutral
Detailed Explanation: Works in both personal and professional contexts.
Scenario Example: “They didn’t approve your proposal? That’s a shame.”
Best Use: Professional emails, polite conversation.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Too mild for serious losses or emergencies.
10. Sorry You’re Going Through That
Meaning / Definition: Directly shows sympathy for a difficult situation.
Tone: Caring, personal
Detailed Explanation: A heartfelt acknowledgment of someone’s challenges.
Scenario Example: “I heard about your breakup. Sorry you’re going through that.”
Best Use: Personal support messages.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Avoid overuse, which can feel generic.
11. That Sounds Awful
Meaning / Definition: Empathetic response to a negative experience.
Tone: Concerned, sincere
Detailed Explanation: Conveys understanding without being overly dramatic.
Scenario Example: “You had to wait three hours in traffic? That sounds awful.”
Best Use: Informal and semi-formal conversations.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Avoid in highly casual banter; it can feel too heavy.
12. That’s a Tough Break
Meaning / Definition: Casual acknowledgment of bad luck or misfortune.
Tone: Friendly, sympathetic
Detailed Explanation: Shows understanding while keeping tone light.
Scenario Example: “You missed the bus again? That’s a tough break.”
Best Use: Social or friendly conversations.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Too casual for serious professional contexts.
13. I Understand How That Feels
Meaning / Definition: Empathetic and validating phrase.
Tone: Caring, supportive
Detailed Explanation: Helps the listener feel heard and understood.
Scenario Example: “Your presentation didn’t go as planned? I understand how that feels.”
Best Use: Counseling, mentoring, or personal support.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Avoid if it sounds patronizing or overused.
Read More:25 Other Ways to Say “Happy Wedding Anniversary” (With Examples)
14. That Must Be Disappointing
Meaning / Definition: Acknowledges disappointment directly.
Tone: Polite, empathetic
Detailed Explanation: Expresses recognition of the emotional impact.
Scenario Example: “You didn’t get the promotion? That must be disappointing.”
Best Use: Professional and personal settings.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Avoid using for minor inconveniences—it can feel exaggerated.
15. I Can See Why You’re Upset
Meaning / Definition: Validates the listener’s emotional response.
Tone: Supportive, understanding
Detailed Explanation: Focuses on the person’s feelings rather than the event.
Scenario Example: “Your team missed the deadline? I can see why you’re upset.”
Best Use: Personal support, workplace mentorship.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Avoid over-explaining in casual conversations—it can sound formal.
16. That Sounds Really Hard
Meaning / Definition: Recognizes difficulty in a compassionate way.
Tone: Empathetic, caring
Detailed Explanation: Highlights the challenge without judgment.
Scenario Example: “Balancing work and school? That sounds really hard.”
Best Use: Emotional support, friendly conversations.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Avoid in humorous contexts—it can feel out of place.
17. That’s a Real Pain
Meaning / Definition: Informal way to describe an annoying or frustrating situation.
Tone: Casual, sympathetic
Detailed Explanation: Relatable for everyday problems.
Scenario Example: “Your flight got delayed? That’s a real pain.”
Best Use: Informal conversations with peers.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Too casual for professional emails.
18. I Wish That Didn’t Happen
Meaning / Definition: Shows regret and sympathy.
Tone: Caring, reflective
Detailed Explanation: Emphasizes your concern for the situation.
Scenario Example: “You lost your pet? I wish that didn’t happen.”
Best Use: Personal conversations and empathetic messages.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Avoid overuse; it can feel repetitive.
19. That’s Disheartening
Meaning / Definition: A formal expression of sadness or disappointment.
Tone: Polite, professional
Detailed Explanation: Works well in work or serious personal situations.
Scenario Example: “The project got rejected? That’s disheartening.”
Best Use: Formal emails or thoughtful discussions.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Too formal for casual texts.
20. That Must Be Rough on You
Meaning / Definition: Focuses on the personal impact of a negative event.
Tone: Caring, empathetic
Detailed Explanation: Acknowledges the effect on the individual personally.
Scenario Example: “Handling that complaint all day? That must be rough on you.”
Best Use: One-on-one conversations showing understanding.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Avoid when speaking publicly or in group chats—it may feel awkward.
21. That Sounds Like a Challenge
Meaning / Definition: Recognizes difficulty while keeping tone neutral.
Tone: Polite, neutral
Detailed Explanation: Good for professional situations where empathy is needed without sounding too emotional.
Scenario Example: “Meeting the deadline after changes? That sounds like a challenge.”
Best Use: Workplace or problem-solving discussions.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Too neutral for deeply emotional situations.
22. I Can See That Was Difficult
Meaning / Definition: Validates effort or hardship.
Tone: Supportive, thoughtful
Detailed Explanation: Focuses on the listener’s experience.
Scenario Example: “You had to work overtime for weeks? I can see that was difficult.”
Best Use: Empathetic professional or personal contexts.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Avoid casual or humorous situations—it may sound stiff.
23. That’s Rough Luck
Meaning / Definition: Informal acknowledgment of bad luck.
Tone: Casual, empathetic
Detailed Explanation: Focuses on unfortunate circumstances in a friendly way.
Scenario Example: “You missed the sale again? That’s rough luck.”
Best Use: Informal conversations with friends.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Too casual for serious or formal discussions.
24. I Know That Feels Tough
Meaning / Definition: Shows understanding of emotional difficulty.
Tone: Caring, empathetic
Detailed Explanation: Highlights shared emotional recognition.
Scenario Example: “Being rejected is hard? I know that feels tough.”
Best Use: Counseling, personal support.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Avoid using in sarcastic or joking contexts.
25. That Can Be Hard to Handle
Meaning / Definition: Polite acknowledgment of difficulty.
Tone: Supportive, thoughtful
Detailed Explanation: Focuses on the situation’s challenge and personal impact.
Scenario Example: “Managing a team remotely? That can be hard to handle.”
Best Use: Professional or personal empathetic conversations.
Worst Use / When Not to Use: Avoid for minor inconveniences—it may feel exaggerated.
Conclusion
Finding the right words to express empathy can make a huge difference in how your message is received. While “that sucks” is a common phrase, it can sometimes feel blunt or casual. Using alternatives—like “That’s tough”, “I’m sorry that happened”, or “That sounds really hard”—allows you to communicate care, warmth, and thoughtfulness. By choosing words that match the situation and the relationship, you not only show understanding but also build trust and strengthen your connections. Remember, the key is to be genuine, considerate, and mindful of tone.
FAQs
1. What are some polite alternatives to say “that sucks”?
Polite alternatives include: “That’s unfortunate,” “That’s disappointing,” “I’m sorry that happened,” and “That sounds really hard.” These expressions work well in professional and formal contexts.
2. Can I use these alternatives in professional settings?
Yes! Expressions like “That’s unfortunate,” “That must be disappointing,” and “That can be hard to handle” are suitable for emails, meetings, or professional conversations. They convey empathy without sounding too casual.
3. When is it okay to use “that sucks”?
It’s okay in casual conversations with friends, family, or peers. It shows empathy but in a relaxed and informal way. Avoid using it in professional or highly sensitive situations.
4. How can I choose the best alternative?
Consider tone, context, and relationship:
- Friends/family: Informal phrases like “That’s rough” or “What a bummer”.
- Professional: Polite expressions like “That’s unfortunate” or “That must be disappointing.”
- Emotional support: Empathetic options like “I feel for you” or “That must be frustrating.”
5. Can using thoughtful alternatives improve my relationships?
Absolutely! Using words that show care and understanding fosters trust, strengthens communication, and makes people feel heard and valued. Thoughtful language goes a long way in personal and professional relationships.
