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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unfortunate
In the past, the public has gained insight into important medical conditions from the unfortunate maladies affecting the first families.
—
Daniel J. Stone, Twin Cities, 4 June 2025
With this bonanza have come unfortunate but predictable consequences: for the last 20 years, rosewood has held the dubious distinction of being the most trafficked natural product in the world.
—Justyna Gudzowska, Foreign Affairs, 2 June 2025
And when her doctor misdiagnoses her autoimmune flare as stress, or when a hot flash relief drug never reaches pharmacy shelves because it’s deemed financially unviable — these aren’t mere unfortunate accidents.
—Christine Brennan, Boston Herald, 31 May 2025
The timing of Correa’s five-game absence for a concussion sustained in Baltimore on May 15 was unfortunate.
—Dan Hayes, New York Times, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfortunate
Daniel J. Stone, Twin Cities, 4 June 2025
With this bonanza have come unfortunate but predictable consequences: for the last 20 years, rosewood has held the dubious distinction of being the most trafficked natural product in the world.
—Justyna Gudzowska, Foreign Affairs, 2 June 2025
And when her doctor misdiagnoses her autoimmune flare as stress, or when a hot flash relief drug never reaches pharmacy shelves because it’s deemed financially unviable — these aren’t mere unfortunate accidents.
—Christine Brennan, Boston Herald, 31 May 2025
The timing of Correa’s five-game absence for a concussion sustained in Baltimore on May 15 was unfortunate.
—Dan Hayes, New York Times, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfortunate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfortunate
Adjective
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The Giants didn’t have a disastrous road trip, winning two of their three series, but taking just two out of three against rebuilding teams won’t be enough to catch the Dodgers, and getting swept by contending teams will leave them outside of the wild-card chase.—
Grant Brisbee,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
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Following a disastrous accident, Cadence's life changes forever, disrupting the harmony builtbetween her, her family, and her inner circle.—
Billie Melissa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 June 2025
Adjective
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Additionally, the more fiscally conservative Senate is increasingly unhappy with the cost of the bill, which is estimated to add $3.1 trillion to the deficit over the next decade.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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Four of its main characters are in unhappy marriages and cheating on their spouses, which is sometimes awkwardly played for laughs.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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This is a tragic statistic, and too many brilliant, capable women are suffering because of it.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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The law followed the tragic and preventable death of a 16-year-old football player who died from heat stroke during football practice three years earlier.—
Jenna DiPaolo,
Sun Sentinel,
1 June 2025
Adjective
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Her father was charged A CT baby had fractures and injuries medical personnel say could have been fatal.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
30 May 2025
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In addition to the loss of wildlife, collisions are also fatal to humans.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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But at a time when student-athletes’ rights prevail and provide the freedom to change schools and cash in, coaches aim to regain control and curtail roster movement — even at the expense of a player in an unfavorable situation.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 May 2025
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The reality is that an underdeveloped supply chain and unfavorable economics are far larger factors.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unfortunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfortunate. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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