MISFORTUNE Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'misfortune' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of misfortune are adversity , mischance , and mishap . While all these words mean "adverse fortune or an instance of this," misfortune may apply to either the incident or conjunction of events that is the cause of an unhappy change of fortune or to the ensuing state of distress. // never lost hope even in the depths of misfortune

Q: When might 'adversity' be a better fit than 'misfortune'?

The words adversity and misfortune are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune. // had never experienced great adversity

Q: When could 'mischance' be used to replace 'misfortune'?

Although the words mischance and misfortune have much in common, mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance. // took the wrong road by mischance

Q: When can 'mishap' be used instead of 'misfortune'?

While the synonyms mishap and misfortune are close in meaning, mishap applies to an often trivial instance of bad luck. // the usual mishaps of a family vacation

misfortune

noun

ˌmis-ˈfȯr-chən

Definition of misfortune

as in tragedy

bad luck or an example of this through sheer misfortune our car got a flat tire and we were late for the ceremony our misfortunes of the last year included the loss of a beloved pet

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How does the noun misfortune differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of misfortune are adversity, mischance, and mishap. While all these words mean "adverse fortune or an instance of this," misfortune may apply to either the incident or conjunction of events that is the cause of an unhappy change of fortune or to the ensuing state of distress.

never lost hope even in the depths of misfortune

When might adversity be a better fit than misfortune?

The words adversity and misfortune are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune.

had never experienced great adversity

When could mischance be used to replace misfortune?

Although the words mischance and misfortune have much in common, mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance.

took the wrong road by mischance

When can mishap be used instead of misfortune?

While the synonyms mishap and misfortune are close in meaning, mishap applies to an often trivial instance of bad luck.

the usual mishaps of a family vacation

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 misfortune Serendipity in the form of misfortune is shining on the Democratic Party’s electoral prospects. — Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026 Unsurprisingly, many farmers blame rainmakers for their misfortune. — Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026 Some post screenshots of their trades, bragging about their bets on Sorsby’s misfortune. — Dan Horn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Sep. 2026 Antonelli still had to be there to cash in from Norris’s misfortune. — Luke Smith, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for misfortune

Recent Examples of Synonyms for misfortune

Noun

The tragedy is the deadliest among those that have claimed thousands of lives in recent decades as people attempt to cross the border from Mexico.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
Those deaths, those tragedies, unimaginable losses, became my win.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of tragedy

Noun

Though the tableaux depict hardships endured by a painter born in 1593, Artemisia, the impressions convey yearning, grief, suffering and resilience that transcend centuries.

— Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Widespread civil unrest over teacher shortages and economic hardship escalated across France over the weekend as rioters clashed with police and stormed public buildings.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of hardship

Noun

Adding to the misery, Jason Sanders — a longtime Dolphins kicker in his first season with the Jets — hit the right upright on a 40-yard try.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
With Dunham as creator, showrunner and star, the original series ran from 2012 to 2017 and followed a group of friends through the misery and dysfunction of their 20s in New York City.

— Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of misery

Browse Nearby Words

misfits

misfortune

misfortunes

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“Misfortune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misfortune. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of misfortune

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