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.

Musk offered his condolences, calling the accident "most unfortunate."

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

If Mr. Lewis’s portrayal is wince-inducing on one end, Mr. Scott’s is almost equally unfortunate.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

That imminence has now become an unfortunate reality for Fishwife, which announced Wednesday that it is pausing shipments of the delicate fish for the summer.

From Salon • May 28, 2026

But even people who don’t mean to hurt capybaras can still do harm to them, an unfortunate side effect of them living in such proximity to humans.

From Slate • May 27, 2026

“This is . . . an unfortunate misunderstanding,” she said, tottering.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing unfortunate

Oh, No! Synonyms for "Bad"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Vocabulary from the Songs of "The Little Mermaid"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Schooled

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!