adv

unhappily

uhn-HA-pih-lee

Unhappily (adv) means Without happiness; sadly or discontentedly. Example: “She stared unhappily at the exam results.”

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adv

Without happiness; sadly or discontentedly.

"She stared unhappily at the exam results."

Unfortunately; as bad luck would have it.

"Unhappily, the plan fell apart at the last minute."

How to use unhappily

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIn a sad way, or (in more formal writing) "unfortunately."

Common pairings

stare unhappily unhappily married unhappily, the

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Comparative: more unhappily
Superlative: most unhappily

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Etymology

From Middle English unhappily, equivalent to un- + happily.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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sadly

Antonyms

happily

Related words

unfortunately sadly happily fortunately luckily alas thankfully merrily

Rhymes for unhappily

ILY oily lily wily daily gaily Emily doily family Sicily easily bodily

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Frequently asked questions

What does “unhappily” mean?

The word “unhappily” means without happiness; sadly or discontentedly. In plain terms, in a sad way, or (in more formal writing) "unfortunately.".

How do you pronounce “unhappily”?

“Unhappily” is pronounced uhn-HA-pih-lee (/ʌnˈhæpɪli/ in IPA).

How do you use “unhappily” in a sentence?

Here is “unhappily” used in a sentence: “She stared unhappily at the exam results.”

What is the opposite of “unhappily”?

The opposite of “unhappily” — its antonyms — is happily.

What part of speech is “unhappily”?

“Unhappily” is an adverb.

Where does the word “unhappily” come from?

The word “unhappily” comes from Middle English. From Middle English unhappily, equivalent to un- + happily.

How many meanings does “unhappily” have?

“Unhappily” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: without happiness; sadly or discontentedly.

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unfortunately sadly happily fortunately luckily alas thankfully merrily