as in tragedies
bad luck or an example of this
through sheer misfortune our car got a flat tire and we were late for the ceremony our misfortunes of the last year included the loss of a beloved pet
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Recent Examples of misfortunes
How does falling victim to one of the most notoriously unlikely of all misfortunes reorient your sense of chance, of fate?
—
Jacob Stern, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
This is but the first in a series of escalating misfortunes.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
The journey is hampered by lack of money and other misfortunes, and it’s eventually interrupted by a gunshot, announcing the cantankerous presence of Tiga.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2026
The 33-year-old politician believes that the series illustrates a broader current issue, caused by the resurgence of public interest in the Kennedy clan and its misfortunes.
—Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 4 Mar. 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
Once these people are already profiting off their own peccadillos and escalating misfortunes, why shouldn’t HBO?
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Some of these myths include a home facing south will bring financial and health problems and misfortunes to the occupants—however, many Vastu sources also say a south-facing home can be auspicious if done right.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026
Adamolekun took the helm of Red Lobster in August 2024 after a series of misfortunes at the once-failing casual-dining chain.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025
Jacob Stern, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
This is but the first in a series of escalating misfortunes.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
The journey is hampered by lack of money and other misfortunes, and it’s eventually interrupted by a gunshot, announcing the cantankerous presence of Tiga.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2026
The 33-year-old politician believes that the series illustrates a broader current issue, caused by the resurgence of public interest in the Kennedy clan and its misfortunes.
—Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 4 Mar. 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
Once these people are already profiting off their own peccadillos and escalating misfortunes, why shouldn’t HBO?
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Some of these myths include a home facing south will bring financial and health problems and misfortunes to the occupants—however, many Vastu sources also say a south-facing home can be auspicious if done right.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026
Adamolekun took the helm of Red Lobster in August 2024 after a series of misfortunes at the once-failing casual-dining chain.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misfortunes
Noun
-
Drane says these kinds of look-alike firearms have led to tragedies.—
Ross Guidotti,
CBS News,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Worst of all, the program would eventually sustain two heartbreaking tragedies.—
Michael Carrafiello,
The Conversation,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The rapper said any hardships suffered by the deputies should be pinned on law enforcement.—
David K. Li,
NBC news,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Cubans, long accustomed to hardships, say the recent fuel shortages have left them struggling to survive and feed their families.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Connecticut’s troubles with trash began in 2022, when the state closed the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority’s waste-to-energy incinerator in Hartford, resulting in nearly 1 million tons of trash each year heading to landfills in Pennsylvania and Ohio.—
John Moritz,
Hartford Courant,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Referencing the troubles of the time, this still-timely song warns you not to trust authority on either side.—
Brett Milano,
Boston Herald,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Tonight’s ceremony had none of the major dramatic mishaps that have both embarrassed the Academy Awards’ organizers and affirmed the event’s status as must-see live TV.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Marlatt says a mid-air collision like the one over Iraq is one of the worst mishaps that can happen while flying.—
James Taylor,
CBS News,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Directed by Paul Feig, the 2011 comedy followed the misadventures of a group of bridesmaids led by the maid of honor, Annie, played by Wiig (who also co-wrote the film).—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Mar. 2026
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As the frontman of the Pogues, he was heralded for his cranky, often tongue-in-cheek delivery of songs about the misadventures of Ireland’s residents.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Misfortunes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misfortunes. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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