unfortunately

The word “unfortunately” means happening as a result of bad luck or misfortune. In plain terms, a word used to soften or introduce bad news — "sadly" or "as bad luck would have it.".

“Unfortunately” is pronounced uhn-FAW-tyuu-nuht-lee (/ʌnˈfɔɹ.t͡ʃə.nɪt.li/ in IPA).

Here is “unfortunately” used in a sentence: “Unfortunately, the flight was cancelled and we missed the wedding.”

The opposite of “unfortunately” — its antonyms — are fortunately and luckily.

“Unfortunately” is an adverb.

“Unfortunately” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Unfortunately” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: happening as a result of bad luck or misfortune.

The opposite is 'fortunately,' along with 'luckily' and 'happily.' Where 'unfortunately' introduces bad news or an unwelcome turn of events, these words introduce good news or a welcome one. For example, 'Unfortunately it rained' becomes 'Fortunately the sun came out.' Both work as openers that signal how to feel.

Unfortunately usually opens a sentence to signal regret or bad news before you deliver it, as in 'Unfortunately, the train was canceled.' It can also sit mid-sentence: 'The plan, unfortunately, failed.' It warns the listener that what follows is disappointing, softening the blow by flagging it in advance.

Unfortunately is neutral and suits both formal and informal use. It is common in polite emails, official notices, and everyday speech alike. In very formal writing you might also see 'regrettably,' while casual speech often prefers 'sadly.' All three express the same basic sense of something being a shame.