Synonym Chooser

How does the noun misfortune differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of misfortune are adversity, mischance, and mishap. While all these words mean "adverse fortune or an instance of this," misfortune may apply to either the incident or conjunction of events that is the cause of an unhappy change of fortune or to the ensuing state of distress.

never lost hope even in the depths of misfortune

When might adversity be a better fit than misfortune?

The words adversity and misfortune are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune.

had never experienced great adversity

When could mischance be used to replace misfortune?

Although the words mischance and misfortune have much in common, mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance.

took the wrong road by mischance

When can mishap be used instead of misfortune?

While the synonyms mishap and misfortune are close in meaning, mishap applies to an often trivial instance of bad luck.

the usual mishaps of a family vacation

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of misfortune These are pretty common superstitions that some people believe will bring them bad luck or misfortune. Tribune News Reports, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2025 For many, however, those hopes and schemes are dashed by misfortune or the unrelenting reality of competing against the world’s top cyclists. Nathaniel Parish Flannery, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025 However, the newlywed hopes that even if his money is never returned, his misfortune can serve as a warning for others. Angel Saunders, People.com, 19 June 2025 Drake is getting candid about his recent gambling misfortunes. Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for misfortune
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misfortune
Noun
  • While most Americans celebrated Independence Day, a tragedy unfolded in Central Texas.
    The Editors, National Review, 7 July 2025
  • For past campers, the tragedy turned happy memories into grief.
    CBS News, CBS News, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Deferment for financial hardship would also end, though borrowers in default can now rehabilitate their loans twice instead of once.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
  • Setting aside money in emergency funds and online IRA accounts, for example, helps cushion financial hardship during an unexpected loss of income.
    Ethan Stone, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • Fortune said Thursday that the Obama administration gave Haitians temporary protective status after an earthquake devastated Haiti, multiplying the island’s many miseries.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 3 July 2025
  • The season ends with so many of the characters on the verge of a path to proper fulfillment; why prolong their misery?
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 26 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Misfortune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misfortune. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on misfortune

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!