unfortunately

adverb

Definition of unfortunatelynext
as in sadly
by bad fortune or luck Unfortunately, you've just missed her.

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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 unfortunately However, Mars and Saturn are unfortunately harshing that vibe a bit. — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026 There has been talk of getting the gang back together for a eons now, but nothing has come of it, unfortunately. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 And, unfortunately, Ju Gang-chan—the former thug turned Juhak Construction chairman—is still gunning for him. — Kayti Burt, Time, 27 July 2026 But unfortunately, not every item is considered reusable—whether for sanitary or safety reasons. — Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfortunately
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfortunately
  1. sadly
  2. lamentably
Adverb
  • My summer dresses will sadly be retired in the coming weeks, but a denim midi skirt is the ideal swap on days when I can’t be bothered to wear jeans.
    — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Culture matters, and too often sadly those who are being asked to pay the price of climate change are not those who were putting carbon into the atmosphere in the first place.
    — Morgan Simon, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of sadly
Adverb
  • The Locke works are placed directly above and below a small Albers; inches away from each are examples of minerals, in their own display cases, which, jutting out from the wall, distract lamentably from the canvases.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 8 June 2026
  • Our attorney general’s hyperbolic statements, lamentably, do little to help on that front.
    — Letters to the Editor, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026
Definition of lamentably

Browse Nearby Words

unfortunate
unfortunately
unfounded
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unfortunately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfortunately. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unfortunately

Nglish: Translation of unfortunately for Spanish Speakers

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