adj
fortuitous
faw-TYOO-ih-tuhs
Fortuitous (adj) means happening by chance, especially in a lucky or fortunate way. Example: “Their meeting on the train turned out to be fortuitous — they later became business partners.”
adj
1
Happening by chance, especially in a lucky or fortunate way.
"Was it love, she wondered, or a mere fortuitous combination of happy thoughts and sensations?"
— Edith Wharton (1905)
"Their meeting on the train turned out to be fortuitous — they later became business partners."
"It was fortuitous that she arrived just as the doors were closing."
"And then he met John Dowsett, the great John Dowsett. The whole thing was fortuitous. This cannot be doubted."
— Jack London (1910)
"England were ragged at this point but the response was full of conviction, equalising swiftly then taking control before the tiring Danes and the magnificent Schmeichel were finally overcome with Kane's fortuitous winner."
— Phil McNulty, England 2-1 Denmark (2021)
How to use fortuitous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA happy accident — something good that happens unexpectedly.
Common mistake
Strictly, "fortuitous" just means "by chance" and doesn't have to be lucky, but in modern use it almost always implies a happy outcome.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more fortuitous
- Superlative
- most fortuitous
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Their meeting on the train turned out to be _____ — they later became business partners.
Etymology
From Latin fortuitus, "happening by chance."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for fortuitous
See all rhymes for fortuitous →Frequently asked questions
What does “fortuitous” mean?
The word “fortuitous” means happening by chance, especially in a lucky or fortunate way. In plain terms, a happy accident — something good that happens unexpectedly.
How do you pronounce “fortuitous”?
“Fortuitous” is pronounced faw-TYOO-ih-tuhs (/foɹˈt͡ʃu.ɪ.tɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “fortuitous” in a sentence?
Here is “fortuitous” used in a sentence: “Their meeting on the train turned out to be fortuitous — they later became business partners.”
What part of speech is “fortuitous”?
“Fortuitous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “fortuitous” come from?
The word “fortuitous” comes from Latin. From Latin fortuitus, "happening by chance.".
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