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

• unfortunately adverb
• unfortunateness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unfortunate¹

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

Example Sentences

“It’s just unfortunate because there’s a lot of negativity and hate around what’s going on,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

However, he added that "this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for PEACE", and that the elimination of Hamas was a "worthy goal".

From BBC

It’s just unfortunate that Hermanus has a better grip on how he’d prefer to leave you than how he’s chosen to get you there.

From Los Angeles Times

Former Labour MP Baroness Berger said: "It is really unfortunate that the House of Lords is having to interrogate such an underdeveloped piece of legislation that hasn't yet been properly scrutinised."

From BBC

“It was so sudden ... lately Uhara was getting visitors even from outside Japan. It’s really unfortunate.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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