unfortunate

[uhn-fawr-chuh-nit]

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.

noun

1. an unfortunate person.

unfortunate

/ ʌnˈfɔːtʃənɪt /

adjective

1. causing or attended by misfortune

2. unlucky, unsuccessful, or unhappy

   an unfortunate character

3. regrettable or unsuitable

   an unfortunate speech

noun

1. an unlucky person

Other Word Forms

• unfortunateness noun
• unfortunately adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unfortunate¹

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

Example Sentences

He argued that the US lawmakers' complaints are an "unfortunate distraction," and that the focus should instead be on collaboration and learning how to "live with smoke".

From BBC

"I think it's unfortunate that now there's another thing on that list of topics that we need to do a deep dive into with our patients."

From BBC

One of India's Supreme Court judges said in court that suggestions that the pilots deliberately shut off fuel supply were "very unfortunate and irresponsible".

From BBC

Everton have played on the front foot in wins against Brighton and Wolves this season, while they were unfortunate to draw with Aston Villa last weekend after wasting a host of golden chances.

From BBC

“It’s unfortunate that the trail had to close so soon after our original renovations,” said Matthew Gomez, senior parks program manager for Save the Redwoods League, a non-profit that helped with the repairs.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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