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.

So, Dump Fruit must remain Dump Fruit, as unfortunate a name as it is.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

More than 12 million have had to flee their homes, earning Sudan the unfortunate privilege of having the world’s worst displacement crisis.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

The unfortunate incident actually saved him having surgery on his nose, which he'd broken earlier in his career, such was the impact.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

That’s when May also learned the unfortunate consequences of turning an also-ran into a Final Four team.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

“Not myself today. Too bad about the cauldron. One of those unfortunate things.”

From "The Black Cauldron" by Lloyd Alexander

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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