This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
unfortunately
[ uhn-fawr-chuh-nit-lee ]
/ ʌnˈfɔr tʃə nɪt li /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adverb
it is unfortunate that: Unfortunately, our flight was delayed for several hours.
in a way or to a degree that is unfortunate or unlucky: The project was unfortunately placed on hold until further notice.
in a way that is regrettable or unsuitable to the situation: Thank you for your comment, and I apologize for my unfortunately worded statement.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of unfortunately
First recorded in 1540–50; unfortunate + -ly
Words nearby unfortunately
unforgiving, unformatted, unformed, unforthcoming, unfortunate, unfortunately, unfounded, unfranked income, unfreeze, unfrequented, unfriend
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use unfortunately in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for unfortunately
unfortunately
/ (ʌnˈfɔːtʃənɪtlɪ) /
adverb
(sentence modifier) it is regrettable that; unluckily
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012