ˌən-ˈfȯrch-nət
1
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
an unfortunate chain of events destroyed the business
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 unfortunate
The unfortunate striker Serginho was often blamed for their inability to win the tournament, but the real problem was the defence.
—
Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
One of the many unfortunate realities of the NBA gambling scandal dominating headlines this week is the reminder of what happened to the Sacramento Kings at the franchise’s peak in 2002.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025
As the Season 34 finale approaches, Dancing with the Stars fans rooting for Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas were met with some unfortunate news.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025
Public Investigator reporter Tamia Fowlkes spoke with employment attorneys, who said that while unfortunate, Kaplan's firing was likely legal.
—Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfortunate
Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
One of the many unfortunate realities of the NBA gambling scandal dominating headlines this week is the reminder of what happened to the Sacramento Kings at the franchise’s peak in 2002.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025
As the Season 34 finale approaches, Dancing with the Stars fans rooting for Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas were met with some unfortunate news.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025
Public Investigator reporter Tamia Fowlkes spoke with employment attorneys, who said that while unfortunate, Kaplan's firing was likely legal.
—Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfortunate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfortunate
Adjective
-
Since the election, Democrats have worked to recruit candidates and relay messaging with the goal of resonating with voters after a disastrous 2024.—
Sydney Topf,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Report Despite a disastrous start to the season, the Ravens hope to turn around their fortunes by beating a Bears team on a four-game winning streak.—
Jordan Sigler,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Following Dombrowski’s comments and his belief that Harper is unhappy with his current contract situation, Sherman opened the door to a potential offseason trade that sends Harper elsewhere.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
-
People who will be sent there include those who let their poor unhappy doggies bark endlessly, those who throw trash on the beach and those who hunt exotic animals for sport.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Add stories of famous guests, tragic events or paranormal occurrences, and for curiosity seekers and those searching for a possible supernatural experience, here are some great places to explore.—
Noreen Kompanik,
Boston Herald,
26 Oct. 2025
-
The confession struck him as both raw and deeply tragic, a glimpse of how ambition hardens into captivity.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Such a slow start proved fatal to Yeovil, who went on to finish bottom of the table after being made to wait until October 26 for their first Huish Park victory at the seventh attempt.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Shortly after being taken away by paramedics, the father of Owens' four children was informed over the phone that her injury proved fatal.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The poll shows Earle-Sears with a 43 percent favorable rating versus a 46 percent unfavorable mark, while Spanberger has a 47 percent favorable rating versus a 44 percent unfavorable score.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Despite the unfavorable margins, sustained growth on Amazon is better than folding altogether.—
Mara Weinraub,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Even environmentalists like Al Gore who once fretted about catastrophic accidents and radioactive waste are warming to the technology.—
Brad Plumer,
New York Times,
22 Oct. 2025
-
That much rain over mountainous terrain in the area could trigger catastrophic flash flooding and landslides.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unfortunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfortunate. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share