misfortune
mihs-FAWT-shoon
Misfortune (noun) means Bad luck, or an unlucky event. Example: “It was pure misfortune that they broke down miles from the nearest garage.”
noun
1
Bad luck, or an unlucky event.
"The worst tour I have ever had the misfortune to experience."
"It was pure misfortune that they broke down miles from the nearest garage."
"She has had more than her share of misfortune this year."
"Cycling's complex etiquette contains an unwritten rule that riders in contention for a race win should not be penalised for sheer misfortune."
— Richard Williams, Tour de France 2012: Carpet tacks cannot force Bradley Wiggins off track (2012)
How to use misfortune
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBad luck, or something unlucky that happens.
Common pairings
have the misfortune to
a stroke of misfortune
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Word forms
- Plural
- misfortunes
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It was pure _____ that they broke down miles from the nearest garage.
Etymology
From mis- + fortune.
Synonyms
View more →
bad luck
ill luck
tough luck
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for misfortune
See all rhymes for misfortune →Frequently asked questions
What does “misfortune” mean?
The word “misfortune” means bad luck, or an unlucky event. In plain terms, bad luck, or something unlucky that happens.
How do you pronounce “misfortune”?
“Misfortune” is pronounced mihs-FAWT-shoon (/mɪsˈfɔɹt͡ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “misfortune” in a sentence?
Here is “misfortune” used in a sentence: “It was pure misfortune that they broke down miles from the nearest garage.”
What part of speech is “misfortune”?
“Misfortune” is a noun.
Is “misfortune” a common word?
“Misfortune” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
