unfortunate

American  

[uhn-fawr-chuh-nit] / ʌnˈfɔr tʃə nɪt /

adjective

1. suffering from bad luck.

   an unfortunate person.

   Synonyms:

   hapless, unsuccessful

2. unfavorable or inauspicious.

   an unfortunate beginning.

3. regrettable or deplorable.

   an unfortunate remark.

4. marked by or inviting misfortune.

   an unfortunate development.

5. lamentable; sad.

   the unfortunate death of her parents.

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noun

1. an unfortunate person.

unfortunate British  

/ ʌnˈfɔːtʃənɪt /

adjective

1. causing or attended by misfortune

2. unlucky, unsuccessful, or unhappy

   an unfortunate character

3. regrettable or unsuitable

   an unfortunate speech

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noun

1. an unlucky person

Other Word Forms

• unfortunately adverb
• unfortunateness noun

Etymology

Origin of unfortunate

First recorded in 1520–30; un- ¹ + fortunate

Example Sentences

There was also an unfortunate moment for Frank prior to kick-off when he was photographed holding a coffee cup with Arsenal branding.

From BBC

An investigation was in the early stages but Insp Simon Barrie said it appeared "to be an unfortunate accident".

From BBC

The STC said it had been "taken by surprise" by the coalition air strikes in al-Dahle, describing them as an "unfortunate escalation that is inconsistent with the declared climate of dialogue".

From BBC

Cox, the leading run-scorer in last year's Hundred, can feel unfortunate to miss out.

From BBC

The album’s sole flaw are the unfortunate lyrics for the midtempo ballad “Handcuffs.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• adverse
• damaging
• deplorable
• disastrous
• inappropriate
• inauspicious
• lamentable
• regrettable
• unlucky
• untoward