unfortunately
Americanadverb
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it is unfortunate that.
Unfortunately, our flight was delayed for several hours.
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in a way or to a degree that is unfortunate or unlucky.
The project was unfortunately placed on hold until further notice.
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in a way that is regrettable or unsuitable to the situation.
Thank you for your comment, and I apologize for my unfortunately worded statement.
adverb
Etymology
Origin of unfortunately
First recorded in 1540–50; unfortunate ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
Explanation
Use unfortunately to describe an event that is unlucky or bad in some way. Unfortunately, life is full of chances to use this word. Someone who's fortunate has good luck. Unfortunately is the adverb form of unfortunate — so unfortunately means "unluckily." If someone asks you whether you have to go to work tomorrow when you'd rather go to the beach, you might answer, "Unfortunately." You might also use unfortunately when you give someone bad news, as in "Unfortunately, we cannot accept your dog to obedience class at this time” or “Unfortunately, you have the flu.”
Vocabulary lists containing unfortunately
Bud, Not Buddy
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List 9
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"Preserving the Rural Environment"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Unfortunately, I seem to be flushing my money away on this problem — or at least that appears to be what the plumbing company would like me to do.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026
Unfortunately for the South African team that night, Rafa Márquez equalized for El Tri with 11 minutes remaining during what turned out to be a disappointing World Cup for the host nation.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
Unfortunately, what would have been a decent score was all undone by not one but two penalties for being out of position on the grid and costing Cadillac their first point.
From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026
Unfortunately, Danovich’s experience is all too common; patients receiving IUDs are frequently told to take ibuprofen, grin, and bear it.
From Slate • Jun. 7, 2026
Unfortunately, that’s about the distance between him and the map too.
From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
