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.

When Colbert presented a photo of the Emmy-winning actor covered in bees during a Season 1 episode of the wacky family sitcom, Cranston recalled a rather unfortunate injury he suffered while filming the Fox hit.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

"I just feel like some things might get more expensive, which is unfortunate, and then the cycle just continues."

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, said it was an "unfortunate overreach" that was "difficult to understand or justify".

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

This brawl is unfortunate all around—not least for U.S. security.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

The unfortunate Rabadash appeared to be suspended from the castle walls.

From "The Horse and His Boy" by C.S. Lewis

Vocabulary lists containing unfortunate

Oh, No! Synonyms for "Bad"

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Vocabulary from the Songs of "The Little Mermaid"

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Schooled

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