fortunately

adverb for·tu·nate·ly \ ˈfȯrch-nət-lē , ˈfȯr-chə- \

Updated on: 10 Apr 2018

Definition of fortunately

1 : in a fortunate manner

2 : it is fortunate that

fortunately, no one was hurt

See fortunately defined for English-language learners

See fortunately defined for kids

Recent Examples of fortunately from the Web

However, the 26-year-old's volleyed attempt from a tight angle looped past the motionless Butland, and fortunately, for the Englishman, also skipped alongside the woodwork on its way out of play.

— SI.com, "VAR Controversy Gives Italy Late Penalty in Friendly Draw vs. England," 27 Mar. 2018
The couple already had a West Elm bentwood coffee table, which fortunately matched the original stain on the doorframes.

— leigh kamping-carder, WSJ, "Midcentury But Not Kitschy: A Living Room Update," 19 Mar. 2018
And fortunately, no one was right next to it, so no serious injuries.

— Fox News, "Hunt for serial bomber intensifies in Texas," 21 Mar. 2018
More rain is in store next week, fortunately, and should arrive Tuesday and continue through Thursday.

— sophie haigney, San Francisco Chronicle, "‘Miracle March’ brings heavy snow to Sierra, needed rain to Bay Area," 16 Mar. 2018
And fortunately, not a bit of flavor is sacrificed in the process.

— San Antonio Express-News, "Pharm Table," 8 Mar. 2018
Mid-ocean gyres are fortunately neither especially rich in fauna nor particularly biodiverse.

— The Economist, "The environmentThe known unknowns of plastic pollution," 3 Mar. 2018
Achterberg has now 'un-liked' the post; but, fortunately this is 2017, and everything gets a screenshot.

— SI.com, "Liverpool Coach Stirs Up Transfer Rumours After 'Liking' Van Dijk to Liverpool Tweet," 27 Dec. 2017
But fortunately, my body was able to bounce back from it and recover quickly.

— edward lee, baltimoresun.com, "Ravens DE Carl Davis (shoulder) says he intends to play Saturday vs. Colts," 20 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fortunately.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of fortunately

1548

Learn More about fortunately

See words that rhyme with fortunately Spanish Central: Translation of fortunately Nglish: Translation of fortunately for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of fortunately for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up fortunately? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

fortunately

Definition of fortunately

Recent Examples of fortunately from the Web

First Known Use of fortunately

Learn More about fortunately

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

grudging

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

fortunately

Definition of fortunately

Recent Examples of fortunately from the Web

First Known Use of fortunately

Learn More about fortunately

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes