Unfortunate

Definition

Unfortunate commonly refers to having or marked by bad fortune; unlucky. It can also pertain to an event or situation that is sad, regrettable, or distressing.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ʌnˈfɔrtʃənət/
• Respelling: uhn-FOR-chuh-nuht (with "uhn" as a schwa sound like the 'u' in "fun," "FOR" as in "for," "chuh" as in the ending of "much," and "nuht" as in "nut")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ʌnˈfɔːtʃənɪt/
• Respelling: uhn-FOR-chuh-nit (with "uhn" as in "fun," "FOR" like in "for," "chuh" as in "much," and "nit" as in "knit")

In both dialects, "unfortunate" is pronounced with the primary stress on the "FOR" syllable. The main differences lie in the pronunciation of the last syllable, where American English typically has a schwa sound (nuht), while British English has a short 'i' sound (nit). The rest of the word is pronounced similarly in both American and British English.

Etymology

"Unfortunate" originates from Middle English and is comprised of the prefix "un-" (meaning "not") combined with "fortunate", which is derived from Latin "fortunatus", meaning "prospered" or "lucky", from "fortuna" (meaning "fortune").

Derivatives

• Unfortunately
• Unfortunateness
• Less-unfortunate
• More-unfortunate
• Most-unfortunate

Synonyms

• Unlucky
• Adverse
• Disadvantaged

Antonyms

• Fortunate
• Lucky
• Propitious

Usage

• "It was an unfortunate incident that happened at the event."
• "He is one of the unfortunate ones who lost their homes in the fire."

Related Terms

• Misfortune
• Calamity
• Disaster
• Mishap
• Tragedy

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Lacking Luck: Marked by, or causing, bad luck or distress; unlucky.
• Example: The unfortunate events of the day led to a lot of confusion.

• Regrettable: Deserving or inspiring regret; causing pity or sadness.
• Example: It's unfortunate that we missed the meeting.

Noun

• Person Experiencing Bad Luck: A person who suffers from bad luck or is in a state of need or misfortune.
• Example: The storm left many unfortunates without shelter.