unfortunate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //ʌnˈfɔːtʃənət//
KK: /ʌnˈfɔrʧənɪt/
adjective
Definition
Causing or experiencing bad luck or misfortune; regrettable or unfortunate circumstances.
Example
It was unfortunate that the event was canceled due to the rain.
Conversation
Did you hear about the game last night?
Yeah, I heard it was really unfortunate for our team.
I can't believe they lost in the final seconds.
I know, right? It's just so unfortunate how it all turned out.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
unlucky
regrettable
tragic
Antonyms
fortunate
lucky
advantageous
noun
Definition
A person who experiences bad luck or misfortune.
Example
He was an unfortunate who lost everything in the storm.
Conversation
Did you hear about that unfortunate accident downtown?
Yeah, it’s really sad to see that happen to anyone.
I feel so bad for the people involved; they didn’t deserve such an unfortunate event.
Root Explanation
Unfortunate → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "fortuna" (from Latin, meaning fortune or luck). The word "unfortunate" describes a state of not having good fortune or luck.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not' ('un-') having 'luck' ('fortuna') — that's why unfortunate means lacking good fortune.
Visually Confused Words
infortunate
fortunate
unornate
unimportunate
infortunately
fortunately
superfortunate
infortune