unhappily

adverb

un·​hap·​pi·​ly ˌən-ˈha-pə-lē How to pronounce unhappily (audio)
Synonyms of unhappilynext
1
: unfortunately sense 1
Unhappily, medicine has not yet found a cure …Diana Trilling
2
: in an unhappy manner : without pleasure
practiced law unhappily for a few years

Examples of unhappily in a Sentence

They were unhappily married for two years. an unhappily married couple being counseled by a professional
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The film centers on Westley (Cary Elwes), a farmhand who goes on a noble quest to rescue his beloved Buttercup (Robin Wright) from the clutches of the loathsome Prince Humperdink (Chris Sarandon), to whom she's unhappily betrothed. James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Jan. 2026 The Old Globe: ‘Hedda Gabler’ Film and stage star Katie Holmes will play the title role in a new adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s 1891 Norwegian psychological drama about an unhappily married and controlling woman whose plot to financially ruin her former lover goes horribly awry. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Dec. 2025 Amir stars as unhappily married Angine who is infatuated with salesgirl Malaise (Bajrami), threatening to put them both of them in danger of terrible reprisals. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 2 Dec. 2025 Thelma, who is unhappily married to the controlling Darryl (Christopher McDonald), is seduced and betrayed by J.D., triggering the series of events that lead to the movie's iconic ending. Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 1 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unhappily

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Unhappily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unhappily. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.

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