ˌən-ˈfȯrch-nət
1
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
an unfortunate chain of events destroyed the business
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Even her recent public acknowledgment regarding the unfortunate photo editing controversy demonstrated accountability and leadership, shielding the royal family from any further backlash.
—
Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 12 May 2025
Maple Leafs tie it midway through the third The Maple Leafs tied the game with 9:04 left to play off an unfortunate bounce for the Panthers.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 May 2025
The unfortunate victim of the week is Modarian, who is stabbed to death in the prison library, with a blade made out of ramen noodles (that’s not a joke).
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 9 May 2025
The new pope may or may not be a Chicago Cubs fan, which could make for some unfortunate circumstances for the Mets this weekend with the Cubs coming to Citi Field for a three-game set.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfortunate
Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 12 May 2025
Maple Leafs tie it midway through the third The Maple Leafs tied the game with 9:04 left to play off an unfortunate bounce for the Panthers.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 May 2025
The unfortunate victim of the week is Modarian, who is stabbed to death in the prison library, with a blade made out of ramen noodles (that’s not a joke).
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 9 May 2025
The new pope may or may not be a Chicago Cubs fan, which could make for some unfortunate circumstances for the Mets this weekend with the Cubs coming to Citi Field for a three-game set.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfortunate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfortunate
Adjective
-
That quickly became disastrous for both sides as officials had a very public spat with one another using harsh rhetoric in front of a slew of journalists invited to cover what was initially intended to be brief opening remarks.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN Money,
9 May 2025
-
The second leg against AZ after a disastrous 1-0 defeat in Holland.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
9 May 2025
Adjective
-
However, the Palestinians are unhappy with the speed of FIFA’s inquiries.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
-
Their presidential candidate, Erika Meza, a 25-year veteran teacher from the Southeast Side, is unhappy with what CTU has come to symbolize.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
Based on real events during the Second World War, Dong Ji Island follows the tragic tale of a Japanese warship secretly transporting British prisoners of war and mistakenly attacked near the easternmost waters of China.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
9 May 2025
-
What initially feels like a freak accident — and which, in turn, freaks out everyone in the family, Max most obviously — is soon revealed to be the start of a tragic pattern.—
Manuel Betancourt,
Variety,
9 May 2025
Adjective
-
From cold cases cracked decades later to trials still underway, here are 18 fatal crimes that occurred at colleges and universities.—
Corin Cesaric,
People.com,
18 May 2025
-
The killing is Kansas City’s 60th homicide this year, according to data maintained by The Star, which includes fatal police shootings.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
17 May 2025
Adjective
-
Deaton said the poll also found that 60% of those surveyed had an unfavorable opinion of Trump.—
Chris Van Buskirk,
Boston Herald,
7 May 2025
-
The development previously received an unfavorable opinion from the Gary Rezoning department and plan commission.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unfortunate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfortunate. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share