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.

The ship’s captain informed guests of the unfortunate situation the following day but tried to put people at ease.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

There is a way to share this unfortunate news that conveys your remorse and acknowledges that it may increase the cost of your friends’ trip.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

If that’s the case, it’s unfortunate they declined to include those details in the story.

From Slate • May 5, 2026

“No pain, no gain. It’s unfortunate the oil prices are going up, but I do believe this is a spike,” he said in an appearance on the conservative talk show “America Sunrise.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Throughout history, some of the most sought-after shipwrecks have been those that played an important role in the nation’s history before meeting an unfortunate end.

From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler

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