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.
"Naturally pressure will follow him, unfortunately, because of his surname, but he has been up to the task so far," Lancashire coach Steven Croft told BBC Sport.
From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2026
Science denialism comes from many directions, and unfortunately we are in a period where it’s flourishing.
From Salon ● Aug. 13, 2026
He said, “This book is basically inert because you’re writing like a tourist. The same, unfortunately, can be said about your characters.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 11, 2026
And unfortunately for Tom — but luckily for the show’s fans — those supernatural forces have been reawakened, just in time for the summer tourist season.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026
“And on your journey, unfortunately, you’re going to meet a lot of these broken people who are going to have a hard time with who you are.”
From "A High Five for Glenn Burke" by Phil Bildner
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.
