ˌən-ˈfȯrch-nət
1
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
an unfortunate chain of events destroyed the business
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unhappy
having, prone to, or marked by bad luck
up to that point in her life she had been unfortunate in love
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in tragic
of a kind to cause great distress
an unfortunate choice of words that would later prove to be embarrassing for the talk show host
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unfortunate
Wool is also the unfortunate ideal food source for moths and carpet beetles.
—
Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 28 Apr. 2026
The timing for Ganni’s push upmarket was perhaps unfortunate.
—Maliha Shoaib, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2026
Despite its unfortunate past, the guitarist immediately saw its potential as a recording studio.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2026
Learn your lesson from this travel writer’s unfortunate experience and protect yourself from pickpockets with the help of this now-$32 anti-theft mini shoulder bag.
—Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfortunate
Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 28 Apr. 2026
The timing for Ganni’s push upmarket was perhaps unfortunate.
—Maliha Shoaib, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2026
Despite its unfortunate past, the guitarist immediately saw its potential as a recording studio.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2026
Learn your lesson from this travel writer’s unfortunate experience and protect yourself from pickpockets with the help of this now-$32 anti-theft mini shoulder bag.
—Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfortunate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfortunate
Adjective
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After enduring nearly 10 months with the heartache of disastrous flooding that killed 28 people at the camp – 25 campers, two counselors and the camp’s director, Dick Eastland – days of hearings resulted in an unexpected decision by Camp Mystic’s leaders.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
3 May 2026
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His portrayal of best-selling thriller writer Greg Russo — adrift in a New England college after a disastrous campus speaking engagement — lands in that sweet spot between comedy and drama that has increasingly defined the modern Emmy landscape.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
2 May 2026
Adjective
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There were also rumblings that Banchero was unhappy with Mosley, which began as early as November and continued throughout the season.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 May 2026
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People are unhappy on a grand scale.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
3 May 2026
Adjective
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Bojorquez said Jones was a brave officer who had made a tragic mistake while rushing to the aid of victims.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
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That’s especially true in the tragic murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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Homicide detectives are investigating the fatal shootings of three adults in Baldwin Park last week — two of whom were a married couple, officials said, who were being mourned by their college-age children.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
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Police have arrested a man on murder and firearm charges in connection with a fatal shooting in Stratford earlier this month.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Artists and arts organizations have derided Gloria’s cuts, calling them a catastrophic blow to communities and the city’s culture.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
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At its peak, some areas were moving more than a foot a week, causing catastrophic damage.—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfortunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfortunate. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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