fortunate

adjective

for·​tu·​nate ˈfȯr-chə-nət 

ˈfȯrch-nət

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 of fortunate

• lucky
• happy

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

Ellsworth feels fortunate to be able to see the doctor of her choice without having to worry about the cost. — Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026

Her strength, warmth, generosity, and unmistakable personality left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026

Mueller said bullets did not hit her home, but not all of her neighbors were as fortunate. — Drew Aunkst, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026

Many other opposition figures in President Vladimir Putin’s Russia have been less fortunate. — Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fortunate

• consider oneself lucky/fortunate

Rhymes for fortunate

• importunate
• unfortunate

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