misfortune

noun

mis·for·tune | \ˌmis-ˈfȯr-chən

\

Definition of misfortune

1a : an event or conjunction of events that causes an unfortunate or distressing result : bad luck by misfortune he fell into bad company had the misfortune to break his leg

b : an unhappy situation always ready to help people in misfortune

2 : a distressing or unfortunate incident or event misfortunes never come singly

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about misfortune

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Choose the Right Synonym for misfortune

misfortune, mischance, adversity, mishap mean adverse fortune or an instance of this. misfortune may apply to either the incident or conjunction of events that is the cause of an unhappy change of fortune or to the ensuing state of distress. never lost hope even in the depths of misfortune mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance. took the wrong road by mischance adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune. had never experienced great adversity mishap applies to an often trivial instance of bad luck. the usual mishaps of a family vacation

Examples of misfortune in a Sentence

a victim of economic misfortune She endured her misfortune without complaint. It was my misfortune to be chosen first. Her injury was a great misfortune. He blamed the party's misfortunes on poor leadership.

Recent Examples on the Web

Fans can sometimes pin these things on curses, misfortune or bad luck. — Zach Osterman, Indianapolis Star, "Insider: Annual early Big Ten tournament exit final reminder of what IU basketball has become," 2 Mar. 2018 In general, however, public support is an advantage for a new democracy, helping to cushion the system against political misfortune. — Christopher Claassen, Washington Post, "Support for democracy is declining — but not in the U.S. or other Western democracies," 5 July 2018 Still, to paraphrase Oscar Wilde, to make one early exit from a major tournament looks like misfortune. — SI.com, "Spain Are Back! Why the Last 3 Major Tournaments Aren't a Blip for Football's Great Underachievers," 5 July 2018 The sprawling boardinghouse offers shelter to 100 or so residents, many in need of support after financial or personal misfortune. — Aubrey Nagle, Philly.com, "Quakertown landmark rebuilds, Pa. closes in on primary day, Trump surprises with China move | Morning Newsletter," 14 May 2018 Johnson’s putting misfortunes in Sunday’s final round at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club were not nearly so calamitous. — Bill Pennington, New York Times, "U.S. Open: Dustin Johnson’s Wayward Short Game Makes for a Long Sunday," 17 June 2018 To let one of us be a target of official racial or ethnic wrath – or to celebrate the misfortune of a group, as happened when President Barack Obama ended the wet-foot, dry-foot policy for Cubans — is wrong. — Fabiola Santiago, miamiherald, "A conversation about racism in Miami should include all groups – not just Cubans," 1 June 2018 But, again, as was the case in the opening 45 minutes, Messi was on hand to rescue his striker's misfortune in front of goal. — SI.com, "Barcelona 3-1 Leganes: Lionel Messi Hat-Trick Seals Record-Equalling Barca Win," 7 Apr. 2018 Sure, shutouts sometimes occur at the Grammys, and JAY-Z had the misfortune of running into Mars (six wins that night) and/or Lamar (five wins) in all eight of his categories. — Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, "Why Beyonce & JAY-Z's 'Everything Is Love' Album Is Already a No-Brainer Grammys Contender," 20 June 2018

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

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Last Updated

3 Oct 2018

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Time Traveler for misfortune

The first known use of misfortune was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for misfortune

misfortune

noun

English Language Learners Definition of misfortune

: bad luck

: an unlucky condition or event

See the full definition for misfortune in the English Language Learners Dictionary

misfortune

noun

mis·for·tune | \mis-ˈfȯr-chən

\

Kids Definition of misfortune

1 : bad luck

2 : an unfortunate situation or event

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