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.

“While the Geelong fire was unfortunate, Viva Energy’s response and recovery from the incident have looked impressive,” it says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

Huckabee called that episode an "unfortunate overreach already having major repercussions around the world".

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Now compare that with the retiree unfortunate enough to stop working in October 1968 and start spending down his or her nest egg when markets were also in a funk.

From Barron's • Apr. 19, 2026

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

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

I used to mock unfortunate outfits or bad hairstyles right along with Skye and Madi.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

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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