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 truth, Gemma Grainger’s side were arguably fortunate to come away with all three points in each of their matches. —Neel Shelat, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

Some people are that fortunate; my own Nana died, at a hundred and four, surrounded by family. —Paul Bloom, New Yorker, 14 July 2025

The pitching was so good, the Phillies were fortunate to score at all and one run was unearned. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025

Liverpool are fortunate to be able to turn to long-serving club chaplain Bill Bygroves, who spoke so powerfully during LFCTV’s hour-long tribute to Jota outside Anfield on Monday evening. —James Pearce, New York Times, 9 July 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