Definition of Unfortunate
The word unfortunate is an adjective that describes something marked by bad luck, misfortune, or an unfavorable outcome. It can also be used as a noun to refer to a person experiencing hardship or misfortune.
Pronunciation:
/ʌnˈfɔːrtʃənɪt/ (uhn-FOR-chuh-nit)
Synonyms for Unfortunate
To enrich your vocabulary, here are various synonyms categorized based on their strength and usage:
Strongest Matches (Most Similar in Meaning)
- Unlucky
- Ill-fated
- Disastrous
- Tragic
- Catastrophic
- Doomed
- Calamitous
Strong Matches (Close in Meaning)
- Unhappy
- Regrettable
- Miserable
- Adverse
- Dreadful
- Woeful
- Lamentable
Weak Matches (Related but with Slightly Different Connotations)
- Ineffective
- Distressing
- Unfavorable
- Problematic
- Hard-luck
- Inopportune
- Difficult
Example Sentences
- It was unfortunate that the event had to be canceled due to bad weather.
- She made an unfortunate decision that led to serious consequences.
- The company suffered an unfortunate financial loss this quarter.
- His unfortunate circumstances made it difficult for him to continue his education.
- It’s unfortunate that the misunderstanding led to a conflict between them.
Contextual Usage
Formal Usage:
- “The incident was an unfortunate setback for the project.”
- “It is unfortunate that we could not reach a consensus on the matter.”
Casual/Conversational Usage:
- “That was such an unfortunate turn of events!”
- “Well, that’s unfortunate—I was really looking forward to it.”
Literary Usage:
- “The unfortunate hero, despite his noble efforts, was met with a tragic fate.”
- “In an unfortunate twist of fate, their paths diverged forever.”
Business/Professional Usage:
- “This is an unfortunate situation, but we will work toward a resolution.”
- “The marketing campaign had an unfortunate impact on public perception.”
Related Words and Concepts
- Misfortune (noun) – Bad luck or an unlucky event
- Adversity (noun) – A state of hardship or affliction
- Setback (noun) – A reversal or check in progress
- Hardship (noun) – Severe suffering or difficulty
- Affliction (noun) – Something that causes pain or distress
Additional Information
- Etymology: Derived from the Latin “fortunatus,” meaning “favored by fortune,” with “un-” negating the positive connotation.
- Common Collocations:
- “Unfortunate accident”
- “Unfortunate mistake”
- “Unfortunate choice”
- “Unfortunate series of events”
- “Unfortunate consequences”
Disclaimer
This page is intended for informational and educational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, language is dynamic, and meanings may vary based on context and usage. For specific guidance, please consult a professional linguist or language expert.
