unfortunate

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Having bad luck; unlucky.

   Grammar: Describes a person or thing that experiences bad luck. Can be used before a noun or after a linking verb.

   Patterns

   • unfortunate person
   • unfortunate to do something

   He was unfortunate to lose his job just before the holidays.

   The unfortunate travelers were stranded at the airport.

   She felt unfortunate that she had missed the last train.

2. 2adjectivecomparable

   Regrettable or causing sadness; unlucky to have happened.

   Grammar: Describes events or situations that are a shame. Often used in the phrase 'it is unfortunate that'.

   Patterns

   • it is unfortunate that
   • unfortunate event
   • unfortunate mistake

   It was unfortunate that the concert was canceled due to rain.

   The delay was unfortunate, but we managed to catch the flight.

   An unfortunate error in the report led to confusion.

Word forms

Common combinations

unfortunate accident

The broken vase was an unfortunate accident.

unfortunate choice

His unfortunate choice of words offended many people.

unfortunate circumstances

Due to unfortunate circumstances, the event was postponed.

highly unfortunate

The timing of the announcement was highly unfortunate.

Synonyms and how they differ

unlucky

Unlucky is more common for personal bad luck, while unfortunate can also mean regrettable.

regrettable

Regrettable emphasizes that something is a shame and should not have happened; unfortunate is broader.

hapless

Hapless suggests a person who is consistently unlucky and a bit helpless; unfortunate is more neutral.

Opposites

Word family

unfortunately adverb

Used to say that something is sad or regrettable.

fortunate adjective

Lucky; opposite of unfortunate.

fortunately adverb

Luckily; opposite of unfortunately.

Commonly confused: unfortunate or unfortunate?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “unfortunate”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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