unfortunately

[uhn-fawr-chuh-nit-lee]

adverb

1. it is unfortunate that.

   Unfortunately, our flight was delayed for several hours.

2. in a way or to a degree that is unfortunate or unlucky.

   The project was unfortunately placed on hold until further notice.

3. in a way that is regrettable or unsuitable to the situation.

   Thank you for your comment, and I apologize for my unfortunately worded statement.

unfortunately

/ ʌnˈfɔːtʃənɪtlɪ /

adverb

1. (sentence modifier) it is regrettable that; unluckily

Word History and Origins

Origin of unfortunately¹

First recorded in 1540–50; unfortunate ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

"No child should ever have to die to make changes but unfortunately I think that is the way everything seems to happen in the world," he told the BBC.

Read more on BBC

"That can absolutely contribute to an unexplained outcome because unfortunately some evidence is lost," she says.

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"We get notifications every time a new case is confirmed in the UK and it's been pinging quite frequently, unfortunately," Ms Postance said.

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Earlier today, Grok was unfortunately manipulated by adversarial prompting into saying absurdly positive things about me.

Read more on Salon

The whole time they were dressed in their new party clothes, which were also, unfortunately, ruined.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• sadly