fortunate

adjective

for·​tu·​nate ˈfȯr-chə-nət 

ˈfȯrch-nət

1

: bringing some good thing not foreseen as certain : auspicious

made a fortunate investment

2

: receiving some unexpected good

How fortunate we are to get such a nice room!

fortunateness noun

Synonyms

• happy
• lucky

Choose the Right Synonym for fortunate

lucky, fortunate, happy, providential mean meeting with unforeseen success.

lucky stresses the role of chance in bringing about a favorable result.

won because of a lucky bounce

fortunate suggests being rewarded beyond what one deserves.

fortunate in my investments

happy combines the implications of lucky and fortunate with stress on being blessed.

a series of happy accidents

providential more definitely implies the help or intervention of a higher power.

a providential change in the weather

Examples of fortunate in a Sentence

How fortunate we were to find that restaurant!

We should try to help others who are less fortunate than ourselves.

Recent Examples on the Web

In July, 2011 Coughlin was fortunate to attend an event with the Dalai Lama on his visit to Chicago. —Jann E. Freed, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025

While fans are still having a hard time getting over the departure of Luka, the Mavs were at least fortunate to win the NBA Draft Lottery back in May. —Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025

So Converse must continue to be quick on its feet to capitalize on its so far fortunate choice of SGA to represent the brand. —Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025

To honor that momentous first step for the 51’s fortunate 100 owners, The Glenrothes has commissioned a Kintsugi artist to reassemble the column into a unique piece of art, perhaps a vase to grow an orchid like those that grow wild on The Glenrothes Estate and inspired the 51. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fortunate

• consider oneself lucky/fortunate

Rhymes for fortunate

• importunate
• unfortunate

Kids Definition

fortunate

adjective

for·​tu·​nate ˈfȯrch-(ə-)nət 

1

: coming or happening by good luck : bringing good that was not expected

2

: receiving some unexpected or unearned good : lucky

fortunateness noun