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Showing results for fortunate.
Definitions

fortunate

[fawr-chuh-nit] / ˈfɔr tʃə nɪt /
ADJECTIVE
having good luck
Synonyms
STRONGEST
affluent encouraging fortuitous happy healthy helpful lucky profitable prosperous successful wealthy well-off
WEAK
advantageous auspicious blessed born with a silver spoon bright charmed convenient favorable favored felicitous flourishing gaining get a break golden hopeful in luck in the gravy on a roll opportune overcoming promising propitious providential rosy sitting pretty sunny side thriving timely triumphant victorious well-to-do
Antonyms
STRONGEST
destitute disadvantageous failing hopeless lacking losing needy poor unfortunate unlucky unprofitable unsuccessful wanting
WEAK
adverse sad unhappy untoward upset

Usage

What are other ways to say fortunate? The adjective fortunate, which describes people or events marked by good fortune, implies that success is obtained by the operation of favorable circumstances more than by direct effort; it is usually applied to grave or large matters (especially those happening in the ordinary course of things): fortunate in one’s choice of a partner; a fortunate investment. Happy emphasizes a pleasant ending or something that happens at just the right moment: By a happy accident, I received the package on time. Lucky, a more colloquial word, is applied to situations that turn out well by chance: lucky at cards; my lucky day.

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.

“It is fortunate he was only armed with with what he had,” said Ed Obayashi, a California law enforcement use of force expert.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

During her post-match news conference, Slegers did not entertain the idea that her side's goals were fortunate.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

Bravo is fortunate he’s seen Dodger broadcasts mentioning Koufax at the stadium and on TV, motivating him to learn more, which led to seeing his windup on YouTube.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Messrs. Dutkiewicz and Rosenberg sensibly argue that a vast modern society can only be fed safely and affordably by means of an efficient, industrial-scale food-production apparatus—which is exactly what we are fortunate to have.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

“He is a most fortunate man!” returned Mr. Knightley, with energy.

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

Vocabulary lists containing fortunate

List 6

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Tears of a Tiger

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