ˌən-ˈfȯrch-nət
1
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
an unfortunate chain of events destroyed the business
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unhappy
having, prone to, or marked by bad luck
up to that point in her life she had been unfortunate in love
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in tragic
of a kind to cause great distress
an unfortunate choice of words that would later prove to be embarrassing for the talk show host
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unfortunate
Although the upcoming Freaky Friday sequel might transport some audiences back to the early aughts, one unfortunate aspect of the OG will stay in the past.
—
Glenn Garner, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2025
On the receipt, beneath the drink order, Kristina noticed an unfortunate note that blew her cover.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Indiana currently leads that series 3-1, with Milwaukee’s future looking bleak after Damian Lillard’s unfortunate Achilles rupture.
—Shane Young, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Such a difficult call really spotlighted for the first time how tough a situation he has been left in by Eddie Howe’s unfortunate absence (due to pneumonia).
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfortunate
Glenn Garner, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2025
On the receipt, beneath the drink order, Kristina noticed an unfortunate note that blew her cover.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Indiana currently leads that series 3-1, with Milwaukee’s future looking bleak after Damian Lillard’s unfortunate Achilles rupture.
—Shane Young, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Such a difficult call really spotlighted for the first time how tough a situation he has been left in by Eddie Howe’s unfortunate absence (due to pneumonia).
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfortunate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfortunate
Adjective
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That quickly became disastrous for both sides as officials had a very public spat with one another using harsh rhetoric in front of a slew of journalists invited to cover what was initially intended to be brief opening remarks.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN Money,
9 May 2025
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The second leg against AZ after a disastrous 1-0 defeat in Holland.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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Kraft had strong leads among some voting groups polled, the poll showed, including Republicans, voters who disapprove of Boston’s sanctuary city status, those unhappy with Boston’s quality of life, and those prioritizing government spending/taxes.—
Grace Zokovitch,
Boston Herald,
1 May 2025
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Among those Americans unhappy with the cuts to the federal government, Musk has only a 6% approval rating, while 89% disapprove.—
Catherine Arnst,
Quartz,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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What initially feels like a freak accident — and which, in turn, freaks out everyone in the family, Max most obviously — is soon revealed to be the start of a tragic pattern.—
Manuel Betancourt,
Variety,
9 May 2025
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Based on real events during the Second World War, Dong Ji Island follows the tragic tale of a Japanese warship secretly transporting British prisoners of war and mistakenly attacked near the easternmost waters of China.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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In rare cases, salmonella can result in more serious illness and can be fatal in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.—
Lucia I Suarez Sang,
CBS News,
4 May 2025
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The Victorian government says symptoms — including diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps — typically occur six to 24 hours after consumption, and can be fatal within 48 hours.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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If this leads to an acquittal, and to unfavorable comparisons to O. J. Simpson’s lawyers, Steel is unlikely to care.—
Charles Bethea,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
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Further, parental reaction to the plan has also been unfavorable.—
Savanah Jackson,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unfortunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfortunate. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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