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

When everyone is healthy — or if the Avs are fortunate enough to get everyone healthy together — the forward group should be downright terrifying. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2026

North Dakota State is fortunate that Rhode Island won the Atlantic 10 tournament (the Rams’ first A-10 title and first NCAA Tournament berth since 1996), keeping George Mason from stealing a place in the field. —Grace Raynor, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026

Every car person should drive—and if fortunate, own—a 911 at least once in his or her life. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2026

In terms of their near-term political fortunes, Democrats are fortunate to have their intense opposition to Trump to unite them. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 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