Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary thesaurus view recents

misfortunate

adjective
Save Word
mis·​fortunate | \ "+ \

Definition of misfortunate

: unfortunate not so … holy that I can look down on a misfortunate girl— Joseph Hergesheimer

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Other Words from misfortunate

misfortunately \ "+ \ adverb

History and Etymology for misfortunate

mis- entry 1 + fortunate

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about misfortunate

Statistics for misfortunate

Cite this Entry

“Misfortunate.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misfortunate. Accessed 20 January 2020.

Comments on misfortunate

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

dauntless

Listen to the pronounciation of dauntless

not to be intimidated or subdued

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

The Eponym Quiz

  • rubens painting
  • Which is the best synonym of bowdlerize?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Citation

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games