ˌən-ˈfȯrch-nət
1
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
an unfortunate chain of events destroyed the business
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Their presence in Section 1 also likely suppressed individual state tournament participation for other high-end wrestlers in the southern part of the state, which is unfortunate given the honor that comes with being a state tournament place winner (top six finisher in your weight class).
—
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 26 Feb. 2026
Despite its unfortunate launch timing and the resulting teething issues, Ford’s revival of the Bronco 4×4 has been a resounding success, attracting both off-road enthusiasts and casual 4×4 buyers who simply wanted an alternative to the market’s only true mainstream competitor, the Jeep Wrangler.
—Byron Hurd, The Drive, 25 Feb. 2026
The unfortunate truth is that through most of the 20th century, the world of filmmaking belonged to white men, at least behind the camera.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
Heap sees the association between her resignation and the district’s budget crisis as unfortunate.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfortunate
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 26 Feb. 2026
Despite its unfortunate launch timing and the resulting teething issues, Ford’s revival of the Bronco 4×4 has been a resounding success, attracting both off-road enthusiasts and casual 4×4 buyers who simply wanted an alternative to the market’s only true mainstream competitor, the Jeep Wrangler.
—Byron Hurd, The Drive, 25 Feb. 2026
The unfortunate truth is that through most of the 20th century, the world of filmmaking belonged to white men, at least behind the camera.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
Heap sees the association between her resignation and the district’s budget crisis as unfortunate.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfortunate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfortunate
Adjective
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This embarrassment of riches not only elevated the TV spectacle, but also the atmosphere in the Co-op Live Arena (which has successfully bounced back from its disastrous opening in 2024).—
Mark Sutherland,
Variety,
1 Mar. 2026
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The general manager was a very unpopular man in Denver following a couple of massive misfires — the disastrous hiring of Nathaniel Hackett and the trade and massive extension for Wilson.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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With price pressures still bubbling in ways that have made consumers unhappy about affordability, economists are closely monitoring the impact of higher energy prices.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
2 Mar. 2026
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Unions, which were unhappy with the prospect of any industry consolidation may give Paramount a hard time and may not want to play ball.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Alper leans into the mysticism without ever coming down on one side or another, and as the narrative hurtles toward its tragic conclusion, Salvation starts to feel almost like a horror movie.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
26 Feb. 2026
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The ring was never recovered after her tragic death.—
Emma Banks,
InStyle,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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American Canyon police said the rider was not licensed to operate the motorcycle and was not wearing a helmet at the time of the fatal collision.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
25 Feb. 2026
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The shooting drew national attention, leading prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump to visit with Belt-Stubblefield’s widow and to condemn the fatal shooting.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Last year, State Farm paid $15 billion in claims to customers who suffered catastrophic losses, including about $5 billion to homeowners affected by the devastating Southern California wildfires in January 2025, Schell said.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2026
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Instead of responding to catastrophic illness, clinicians can now recognize disease early — fundamentally changing its course.—
Jia Shen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unfortunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfortunate. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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