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. )

Explanation

Use unfortunately to describe an event that is unlucky or bad in some way. Unfortunately, life is full of chances to use this word. Someone who's fortunate has good luck. Unfortunately is the adverb form of unfortunate — so unfortunately means "unluckily." If someone asks you whether you have to go to work tomorrow when you'd rather go to the beach, you might answer, "Unfortunately." You might also use unfortunately when you give someone bad news, as in "Unfortunately, we cannot accept your dog to obedience class at this time” or “Unfortunately, you have the flu.”

Example Sentences

Unfortunately, taking retail order numbers at face value backfired.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

“It’s easy to pick up the technology. It’s easy to produce, even homemade…it’s only the beginning of this process. Unfortunately, world safety won’t be the same.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Unfortunately, repeated exposure falsely increases one’s sense of self-worth.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

"Unfortunately, this is not the only product on Shein that has this," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

Unfortunately, I knew little or nothing as to how one goes about acquiring a horse to ride on potentially dangerous mountain trails.

From This Side of Wild by Gary Paulsen

Related Words

• sadly