fortunate

adjective

for·​tu·​nate ˈfȯrch-nət 

ˈfȯr-chə-

1

: bringing some good thing not foreseen as certain : auspicious

made a fortunate investment

2

: receiving some unexpected good

How fortunate we are to get such a nice room!

fortunateness noun

Synonyms

• fluky
• flukey
• fortuitous
• happy
• heaven-sent
• lucky
• providential

Choose the Right Synonym for fortunate

lucky, fortunate, happy, providential mean meeting with unforeseen success.

lucky stresses the role of chance in bringing about a favorable result.

won because of a lucky bounce

fortunate suggests being rewarded beyond what one deserves.

fortunate in my investments

happy combines the implications of lucky and fortunate with stress on being blessed.

a series of happy accidents

providential more definitely implies the help or intervention of a higher power.

a providential change in the weather

Examples of fortunate in a Sentence

How fortunate we were to find that restaurant!

We should try to help others who are less fortunate than ourselves.

Recent Examples on the Web

Rockmount has been fortunate to have the celebs, film-costumers and other high-profile names come to them, as opposed to Rockmount reaching out for publicity. —John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 6 June 2024

The school is one of New York’s most prestigious all-boys options, available to those who can pay $60,000 in tuition (or are fortunate enough to earn financial aid). —Casey Schwartz, New York Times, 6 June 2024

Most people have periods of remission that last for months, but there are people who are fortunate enough to go years without symptoms. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 5 June 2024

Less fortunate inmates resorted to using towels or tissues to absorb the blood. —Anabel Sosa, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fortunate

• consider oneself lucky/fortunate

Kids Definition

fortunate

adjective

for·​tu·​nate ˈfȯrch-(ə-)nət 

1

: coming or happening by good luck : bringing good that was not expected

2

: receiving some unexpected or unearned good : lucky

fortunateness noun