Definition of misfortunenext

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 During an eclipse, people would bang drums, shoot arrows, or create loud noises to scare the dragon away, as a red moon was seen as a sign of impending misfortune or celestial imbalance. Alan Bradley, Space.com, 2 Mar. 2026 There will be five roster spots up for grabs, with one likely secured by whomever Dallas selects with its lottery pick, but there’s room for Bagley, especially as an emergency center option in case Dallas encounters more injury misfortune. Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026 But that major advance might have been reduced to a lateral move by the misfortune suffered in Milan, where Kevin Fiala broke his leg and was pronounced out for the season. Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 24 Feb. 2026 But there’s a network of people looking to cash in on others’ misfortunes by renting out aging RVs to those searching for housing without a lease or tenant protections. Alex Harring, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for misfortune
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misfortune
Noun
  • The Asian Film Awards, an anchor event of Hong Kong’s Entertainment Expo, which usually takes place on the eve of Filmart, has canceled the main awards ceremony, citing the need to be low-key following last year’s Tai Po fire tragedy.
    Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2026
  • And when the fast-moving vehicles collide, tragedy can ensue.
    Alissa Gary, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Fame does not protect against hardship, and talent does not guarantee stability.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The first five of the district’s 16 financial hardship applications were approved by the state board in February, Keeley said.
    Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Colin Dorgan battled through misery to achieve triumph for his Rhode Island boys high school hockey team on Wednesday night.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The misery inflicted on the thousands of Maryland commuters is merely the stick to drive more people to consider ailing public transportation options.
    Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 11 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Misfortune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misfortune. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on misfortune

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster