unfortunate
uhn-FAW-chuh-niht
Unfortunate (adj) means having bad luck; suffering misfortune. Example: “The unfortunate traveller missed his train and then lost his wallet.”
adj
1
Having bad luck; suffering misfortune.
"The unfortunate traveller missed his train and then lost his wallet."
"An unfortunate series of events left them stranded overnight."
"The unfortunate family lost everything in the flood."
2
Regrettable or unsuitable.
"It's unfortunate that the shop closes just before I finish work."
"The unfortunate timing of the call meant I missed the start of the film."
"It was an unfortunate choice of words at his own wedding."
How to use unfortunate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUnlucky, or (more mildly) regrettable and not ideal.
Common pairings
unfortunate incident
unfortunate choice
it is unfortunate that
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Word forms
- Plural
- unfortunates
- Comparative
- more unfortunate
- Superlative
- most unfortunate
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ traveller missed his train and then lost his wallet.
Etymology
From un- + fortunate.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for unfortunate
See all rhymes for 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.
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