infelicity

[ in-fuh-lis-i-tee ]

noun

, plural in·fe·lic·i·ties

1. the quality or state of being unhappy; unhappiness.
2. misfortune; bad luck.
3. an unfortunate circumstance; misfortune.
4. inaptness, inappropriateness, or awkwardness, as of action or expression.
5. something inapt or infelicitous:

   infelicities of style.

infelicity

/ ˌɪnfɪˈlɪsɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being unhappy or unfortunate
2. an instance of bad luck or mischance; misfortune
3. something, esp a remark or expression, that is inapt or inappropriate

Word History and Origins

Origin of infelicity¹

1350–1400; Middle English infelicite < Latin infēlīcitās. See in- ³, felicity

Example Sentences

In an instant Christie saw the infelicity of her position, and its dangers.

From Project Gutenberg

Keats died young; and ‘yet his infelicity had years too many.’

From Project Gutenberg

It was at this time that the differences in character began to cause domestic infelicity in the Wagnerian household.

From Project Gutenberg

The admiration I profess for her ought to make her excuse these remarks, which have their origin in the infelicity of my age.

From Project Gutenberg

My old infelicity in making up my mind seems to haunt me, and I dare say I shall live to be a dreadful example.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• agony
• anguish
• bereavement
• despair
• discomfort
• gloom
• heartache
• heartbreak
• melancholy
• misery
• mourning
• pain
• regret
• remorse
• sadness
• sorrow
• trouble
• unhappiness
• woe
• worry