fortunately

American  

[fawr-chuh-nit-lee] / ˈfɔr tʃə nɪt li /

adverb

1. it is fortunate that.

   The groceries cost more than I thought they would, but fortunately I had just enough money with me.

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fortunately British  

/ ˈfɔːtʃənɪtlɪ /

adverb

1. (sentence modifier) it is fortunate that; luckily

2. in a fortunate manner

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Etymology

Origin of fortunately

First recorded in 1540–60; fortunate ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

“Our sales are hitting new records at our bars downtown, fortunately, but our costs have risen dramatically.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

Quickly, it became apparent that the heat pump didn't work properly, but fortunately it was under guarantee and once it had been replaced it worked very well indeed.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

That building was destroyed by bombings during World War II, but fortunately the collection’s most important works, including the Bellini, had been stored elsewhere.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

Fascist regimes of the last century were much shorter-lived, fortunately.

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

“Can’t even drive,” he muttered under his breath, his mustache rippling indignantly, but fortunately neither Dedalus nor Hestia seemed to hear him.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling