misfortune

noun

mis·​for·​tune ˌmis-ˈfȯr-chən 

1

a

: an event or conjunction of events that causes an unfortunate or distressing result : bad luck

by misfortune he fell into bad company

had the misfortune to break his leg

b

: an unhappy situation

always ready to help people in misfortune

2

: a distressing or unfortunate incident or event

misfortunes never come singly

Synonyms

• adversity
• ill
• knock
• misadventure
• mischance
• mishap
• tragedy

Choose the Right Synonym for misfortune

misfortune, mischance, adversity, mishap mean adverse fortune or an instance of this.

misfortune may apply to either the incident or conjunction of events that is the cause of an unhappy change of fortune or to the ensuing state of distress.

never lost hope even in the depths of misfortune

mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance.

took the wrong road by mischance

adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune.

had never experienced great adversity

mishap applies to an often trivial instance of bad luck.

the usual mishaps of a family vacation

Examples of misfortune in a Sentence

a victim of economic misfortune

She endured her misfortune without complaint.

It was my misfortune to be chosen first.

Her injury was a great misfortune.

He blamed the party's misfortunes on poor leadership.

Recent Examples on the Web

The cerebral Sridhar Ramaswamy, had the misfortune to follow in the huge CEO footsteps of the Bill Belichick-like Slootman. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2025

Cheick Doucoure would ordinarily have seemed the ideal partner for Wharton but has suffered terrible misfortune with injuries, and is now out until at least the end of the season with a meniscus injury. —Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025

Successful entrepreneurs analyze their experiences for opportunities rather than labeling any misfortune. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Malen’s misfortune, Villa explain, simply came down to signing too many players in the winter window. —Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for misfortune

• fortune

Kids Definition

misfortune

noun

mis·​for·​tune (ˈ)mis-ˈfȯr-chən 

1

: bad luck especially for a long period of time

2

: an unfortunate condition or event : disaster