adv
unfortunately
uhn-FAW-tyuu-nuht-lee
adv
1
Happening as a result of bad luck or misfortune.
"Unfortunately, the flight was cancelled and we missed the wedding."
2
Used to introduce a statement of regret, disappointment, or bad news.
"Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it to the meeting."
"Unfortunately, we don't have your size in stock."
How to Use Unfortunately
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA word used to soften or introduce bad news — "sadly" or "as bad luck would have it."
When to use it
Extremely common as a polite sentence-opener in both speech and writing to cushion disappointing news.
Common pairings
unfortunately, we cannot
unfortunately for him
unfortunately not
Word Forms
more unfortunately comparative, most unfortunately superlative
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_____, the flight was cancelled and we missed the wedding.
Etymology
From unfortunate + -ly.