Synonym Chooser

How does the noun misfortune differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of misfortune are adversity, mischance, and mishap. While all these words 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

When might adversity be a better fit than misfortune?

The words adversity and misfortune are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune.

had never experienced great adversity

When could mischance be used to replace misfortune?

Although the words mischance and misfortune have much in common, mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance.

took the wrong road by mischance

When can mishap be used instead of misfortune?

While the synonyms mishap and misfortune are close in meaning, mishap applies to an often trivial instance of bad luck.

the usual mishaps of a family vacation

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of misfortune There is, however, such a reality as too much of a good thing, even for those who imbibe in the saloon of others’ misfortune. Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY, 9 Oct. 2025 If that sounds a little familiar, consider that Shell had the misfortune of premiering at film festivals the same year as The Substance, which covers similar ground. James Grebey, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2025 Amid the Mets' misfortunes, Michael Kay, a radio host and play-by-play announcer for the New York Yankees, decided to weigh in. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025 Finally, there is Edward (Louis Partridge), the youngest brother, who has followed dutifully in Benjamin’s footsteps and has his own unique ideas, but has the sole misfortune of his birth order. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for misfortune
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misfortune
Noun
  • Kirk's murder is a tragedy – as is any murder.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Here’s how a community dispute escalated into a deadly tragedy.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Other service members also said loans from the credit union, which is offering interest-free loans amid the shutdown, was standing between them and financial hardship.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025
  • During this time, Chinese workers took up laundry work, which offered economic opportunity for the early immigrants despite legal and social hardships.
    Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While most of us on the plane were in this same unexpected predicament, a passenger nearby didn't seem to be sharing in our misery thanks to a compact gadget propped up their phone to the perfect viewing height.
    Anita Katee, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
  • His matchup against Minnesota could add to the misery.
    Brad Evans, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Misfortune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misfortune. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on misfortune

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