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

• fluky
• flukey
• fortuitous
• happy
• heaven-sent
• lucky
• providential

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

Throughout his life, Joe Don touched many lives with his warmth and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. —Tommy McArdle, People.com, 15 May 2025

Metallica is fortunate to claim several such successes, and the pioneering band has a handful of tracks in its discography that have stood the test of time. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

There are just so many memories from childhood, growing up watching Everton here and being fortunate to work here for 25 years. —Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 14 May 2025

And that bit of levity was fortunate, given the turn the episode takes after Strahovski’s Serena and Josh Charles’ High Commander Wharton return home after their nuptials. —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 13 May 2025

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