unfortunate

adjective

ˌən-ˈfȯrch-nət
Definition of unfortunatenext
1
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune an unfortunate chain of events destroyed the business

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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

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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

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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 They should be trained not to ask a bunch of questions about the medical condition, express doubt, comment that the timing is unfortunate or share private information with co-workers. — Seth Turner, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 The injury was an unfortunate occurrence in his World Cup debut and could affect Sweden’s chances going forward. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026 The mini-slump in Eugene coincides with the aforementioned downturn in Spokane to create an unfortunate stretch for college basketball in the Pacific Northwest. — Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2026 As attendees were escorted out of the Great American State Fair on Sunday because of inclement weather, guests noticed an unfortunate typo displayed on a digital billboard at the National Mall. — Mike Stunson, USA Today, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfortunate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfortunate
  1. disastrous
  2. unhappy
  3. tragic
  4. fatal
  5. catastrophic
Adjective
  • The last time Rushing caught Ohtani, the pitcher took over pitch-calling after a disastrous second inning against the Twins last week.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Since his disastrous tenure with the New York Yankees from 2016 to 2022, which included a suspension for violating MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse policy, Chapman has worked to turn around his career.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of disastrous
Adjective
  • The decade was an unhappy panorama of inflation, gas shortages, military humiliation, and revelations of political corruption.
    — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
  • On Tuesday, Paul urged Americans who are unhappy with the justices’ ruling to support his proposal.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2026
Definition of unhappy
Adjective
  • Anything tragic that happened to minorities was inevitable and necessary.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Titled ‘Forever 20′, it has been placed on 97 Avenue, close to the stadium’s Main Stand, on the eve of the first anniversary of their tragic passing in a car crash in Spain last July.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of tragic
Adjective
  • Although most people recover from Legionnaires' disease with antibiotics, certain patients -- including those who are immunocompromised or who suffer from chronic lung diseases -- can develop complications that can be fatal.
    — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 7 July 2026
  • The Grand Prairie Police Department is investigating a fatal crash in which a passenger vehicle hit a pedestrian.
    — Mary Ella Hastings July 6, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
Definition of fatal
Adjective
  • On the narrow question of AI’s most catastrophic risks, the major powers are beginning to agree.
    — Mark Minevich, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Preexisting callus consistent with a repetitive stress injury leading to a catastrophic musculoskeletal failure.
    — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Definition of catastrophic

Browse Nearby Words

unforthcoming
unfortunate
unfortunately
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Cite this Entry

“Unfortunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfortunate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unfortunate

Nglish: Translation of unfortunate for Spanish Speakers

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