Definitions

unfortunate

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

ADJECTIVE

unlucky, bad

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adverse damaging deplorable disastrous inappropriate inauspicious lamentable regrettable unlucky untoward

STRONG

desperate doomed poor sad

WEAK

afflicted broken burdened calamitous cursed destitute forsaken hapless hopeless ill-fated ill-starred in a bad way infelicitous inopportune jinxed luckless out of luck pained ruined ruinous shattered star-crossed stricken troubled unbecoming unfavorable unhappy unpropitious unprosperous unsuccessful unsuitable wretched

Antonyms

STRONGEST

auspicious blessed favorable fortunate good happy helpful lucky proper suitable

STRONG

hopeful

WEAK

timely

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Unfortunate ending for me, but to be honest I had absolutely nothing left in me," he said.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

“These are two really good basketball teams. Unfortunate they are meeting this early. Everyone that’s left now is really good. LSU is certainly that. It’s going to be highly emotional and highly competitive.”

From Seattle Times • Mar. 30, 2024

Unfortunate that we couldn't win but I'm proud of the boys.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2024

A verse in “Poor Unfortunate Souls” urging Ariel to keep quiet was dropped and a line in “Kiss the Girl” suggesting Prince Eric kiss her without asking was changed.

From New York Times • May 29, 2023

Unfortunate incidents had occurred, mistaken ideas had been current.

From "Animal Farm: A Fairy Story" by George Orwell

Vocabulary lists containing unfortunate

Oh, No! Synonyms for "Bad"

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Vocabulary from the Songs of "The Little Mermaid"

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Schooled

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