Definition

A situation or expression that is inappropriate or not suitable, often causing discomfort or unhappiness.

Example

His comment was an infelicity that made everyone feel awkward during the meeting.

Conversation

I read that article you sent me, and I found some parts quite confusing.

Yeah, I think the author's infelicity in word choice made it hard to follow.

Exactly! It felt like they were trying too hard to sound smart.

Right? Sometimes simpler language is more effective.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Infelicity is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "felicitas" (from Latin, meaning happiness or good fortune) and the suffix "-ity" (meaning the state or condition of). The word refers to the state of being unhappy or unfortunate.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being related to 'happiness' ('felicitas') — that's why infelicity means the state of being unhappy.

Visually Confused Words