unfortunate
0 antonyms and opposites of unfortunate, grouped by meaning.
Adj — Having bad luck; suffering misfortune.
How to use unfortunate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From un- + fortunate.
Full origin of unfortunate →Frequently asked questions
What does “unfortunate” mean?
The word “unfortunate” means having bad luck; suffering misfortune. In plain terms, unlucky, or (more mildly) regrettable and not ideal.
How do you pronounce “unfortunate”?
“Unfortunate” is pronounced uhn-FAW-chuh-niht (/ʌnˈfɔɹ.t͡ʃə.nɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “unfortunate” in a sentence?
Here is “unfortunate” used in a sentence: “An unfortunate series of events left them stranded overnight.”
What part of speech is “unfortunate”?
“Unfortunate” is an adjective.
Is “unfortunate” a common word?
“Unfortunate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “unfortunate” have?
“Unfortunate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having bad luck; suffering misfortune.
What is the difference between unfortunate and unlucky?
'Unlucky' focuses on bad luck in a particular event or moment, such as an unlucky bounce of the ball. 'Unfortunate' is broader, covering both bad luck and things that are regrettable or unsuitable. So 'unfortunate' can describe a situation, a choice, or a person's wider misfortune.
What is the opposite of unfortunate?
The direct opposite is 'fortunate,' meaning lucky or favoured by good luck. 'Lucky' and 'happy' can also serve as antonyms depending on the sentence. Where 'unfortunate' means regrettable, its opposite may be 'suitable' or 'welcome.'
When should you use unfortunate instead of regrettable?
Use 'unfortunate' for both bad luck and things that are simply undesirable, as in 'an unfortunate accident' or 'an unfortunate choice of words.' Use 'regrettable' when you specifically mean something that deserves regret or apology. 'Regrettable' is more formal and carries a sense of fault or sorrow.
Is unfortunate a formal or informal word?
'Unfortunate' is fairly neutral and works in both everyday and formal writing. It is often chosen in polite or careful contexts to soften bad news, as in 'an unfortunate delay.' This makes it common in business and official communication.