fortunate

adjective

for·​tu·​nate ˈfȯrch-nət How to pronounce fortunate (audio)
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
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 Charlotte had more of the early chances but was fortunate when Vancouver’s Tristan Blackmon flashed an open header wide of Kristijan Kahlina’s right post. Observer Wire Reports, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2024 The children in her classroom are not so fortunate. Moriah Balingit, Quartz, 3 Mar. 2024 Regardless, Canes fans are fortunate to have Bain, who begins UM spring practice with the rest of his teammates on Monday. Susan Miller Degnan, Miami Herald, 2 Mar. 2024 For those fortunate enough to already own a home, high prices have boosted their net worth. Matt Egan, CNN, 2 Mar. 2024 The Hoosier state is fortunate to have several chocolate and candy factories that won't leave you feeling sour by the end of your trip. John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 1 Mar. 2024 Goldsmith/designer/perfumer Holly Tupper is one of those fortunate few. Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Athenian, a small school in Danville, also was on the fortunate side of the draw. Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2024 Without such access, the digital age will leave the less fortunate behind. Tomoko Yokoi, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fortunate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fortunate was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near fortunate

Cite this Entry

“Fortunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fortunate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fortunate

adjective
for·​tu·​nate ˈfȯrch-(ə-)nət How to pronounce fortunate (audio)
1
: coming or happening by good luck : bringing good that was not expected
2
: receiving some unexpected or unearned good : lucky
fortunateness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on fortunate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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