ˌən-ˈfȯrch-nət
1
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
an unfortunate chain of events destroyed the business
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unfortunate
The forces of economic uncertainty have been hoisted upon the religious elements of our society, and that has strained synagogues here in Broward, which can be unfortunate and frightening.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
Much of the sadness around the unexpected and unfortunate end to Jane’s Addiction relates to the fact that the shows prior to their final performance were some of Navarro’s favorite.
—Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 19 May 2025
The unfortunate truth is that blueberries can carry all sorts of unwanted guests, from dirt and debris, tiny bugs like aphids or fruit flies, pesticide residue, bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, or Listeria, mold spores, and even parasites.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
None of his previous work has been released in the U.S., which is unfortunate because Demoustier (brother of the talented actress Anaïs) is one of those rare French filmmakers who can blend suspense with perceptive writing and characterization, resulting in artsy thrillers that dig deep.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfortunate
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
Much of the sadness around the unexpected and unfortunate end to Jane’s Addiction relates to the fact that the shows prior to their final performance were some of Navarro’s favorite.
—Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 19 May 2025
The unfortunate truth is that blueberries can carry all sorts of unwanted guests, from dirt and debris, tiny bugs like aphids or fruit flies, pesticide residue, bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, or Listeria, mold spores, and even parasites.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
None of his previous work has been released in the U.S., which is unfortunate because Demoustier (brother of the talented actress Anaïs) is one of those rare French filmmakers who can blend suspense with perceptive writing and characterization, resulting in artsy thrillers that dig deep.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfortunate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfortunate
Adjective
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The Giants didn’t have a disastrous road trip, winning two of their three series, but taking just two out of three against rebuilding teams won’t be enough to catch the Dodgers, and getting swept by contending teams will leave them outside of the wild-card chase.—
Grant Brisbee,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
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Following a disastrous accident, Cadence's life changes forever, disrupting the harmony builtbetween her, her family, and her inner circle.—
Billie Melissa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 June 2025
Adjective
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Netflix In a recent interview with Harper's Bazaar, Ortega revealed that the massive success following 'Wednesday' actually left her unhappy.—
Jeremy Hanna,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
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Reports suggested that Daltrey was unhappy with Starkey’s playing on the night, and a number of songs were cut short.—
Thomas Smith,
Billboard,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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This is a tragic statistic, and too many brilliant, capable women are suffering because of it.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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The law followed the tragic and preventable death of a 16-year-old football player who died from heat stroke during football practice three years earlier.—
Jenna DiPaolo,
Sun Sentinel,
1 June 2025
Adjective
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Her father was charged A CT baby had fractures and injuries medical personnel say could have been fatal.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
30 May 2025
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In addition to the loss of wildlife, collisions are also fatal to humans.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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Comparable sales for the quarter decreased 1.7% blamed on unfavorable weather earlier in the year, while pro and online sales grew.—
Catherine Muccigrosso,
Charlotte Observer,
21 May 2025
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Her biggest unfavorable numbers from those surveyed came from voters in parts of Northern California, at 60%, and Orange County, with 57%.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
14 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unfortunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfortunate. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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