unfortunately

American  

[uhn-fawr-chuh-nit-lee] / ʌnˈfɔr tʃə nɪt li /

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.

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unfortunately British  

/ ʌnˈfɔːtʃənɪtlɪ /

adverb

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

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Etymology

Origin of unfortunately

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

Example Sentences

"Any time I needed I was jumping on a sled, I was testing equipment, and unfortunately they don't have such opportunity."

From BBC

The two accidents, the company said, unfortunately illustrate that all driving, whether by humans alone or with technology, requires adequate time to perceive, classify, confirm and react to events.

From The Wall Street Journal

“During rotations, unfortunately, there are a lot of losses, the most losses,” said a 52-year-old rifleman known by his call sign Psycho.

From The Wall Street Journal

Another official commented that the crash was “tragic” but noted that injuries are unfortunately part of the sport.

From Salon

"We assumed the flat tyre and hazard warning lights would have prevented that, but unfortunately not."

From BBC

Related Words

• sadly