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

"I'm very proud of my team. It was a good campaign from us but we fell at the final hurdle and unfortunately cricket is cruel."

From BBC

But we saw that message tank just eight months ago, unfortunately, and all of those things are coming home now to roost.

From Salon

“I think it’s worth it to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the 2nd Amendment to protect our other God-given rights,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

“I left home with a suitcase full of dreams, with dreams of helping my people, of helping my family, but unfortunately, that suitcase of dreams turned into a suitcase of nightmares,” he told reporters there.

From Los Angeles Times

It said the US was notified of Israel's attack on Hamas, with a strike "very unfortunately" taking place in the capital Doha.

From BBC

Related Words

• sadly