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

But fortunately, the invaluable Eloquence company from Australia recently issued most of her recordings in a 14-disc “Aafje Heynis Edition,” and no set has brought me such pleasure in a long time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

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

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

"We are aware that a number of private properties have been affected, but fortunately they were unoccupied at the time," said Cyngor Gwynedd.

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025

I would have leaped to collaborate with her on any project, but fortunately nuclear Armageddon is also a preoccupation of mine.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025

He needs to rest, and the only accommodation we can find for the night is a stretch of green meadow, where the grass fortunately is soft.

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar