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.

That imminence has now become an unfortunate reality for Fishwife, which announced Wednesday that it is pausing shipments of the delicate fish for the summer.

From Salon • May 28, 2026

But even people who don’t mean to hurt capybaras can still do harm to them, an unfortunate side effect of them living in such proximity to humans.

From Slate • May 27, 2026

"It is not very common at all. It is one of those unfortunate things," Rob Parsonage, of Mission Beach Dive, told AFP.

From Barron's • May 24, 2026

Ms. Arnold packs a sometimes dizzying amount of detail into this slim volume, balancing a deep interest in her subject with a careful respect for these unfortunate ships and their passengers and crew.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

“I can’t tell you how unfortunate it was that Bunny happened to be there,” said Henry, shaking his head.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

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