A2adverb 2K

Unfortunately

🇬🇧 UK /["/ʌnˈfɔːtʃənətli/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ʌnˈfɔːrtʃənətli/"]/

Meaning of Unfortunately

used to say that a particular situation or fact makes you sad or disappointed, or gets you into a difficult position

In simple words: sadly or regrettably

Unfortunately in a sentence

• Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the meeting.
• I can't make it, unfortunately.
• Unfortunately for him, the police had been informed and were waiting outside.
• It won't be finished for a few weeks. Unfortunately!
• We wanted to have only films from Spain at this year's festival. Unfortunately, however, there weren't enough good ones.

How to use Unfortunately

Use 'unfortunately' to express bad news or a negative outcome. Suitable for both spoken and written English, but avoid in very casual contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Imagine saying 'unfortunate' while frowning.

Related words

Collocations with Unfortunately

• unfortunately, it seems
• unfortunately, we have
• unfortunately, there was

Synonyms for Unfortunately

• sadly
• regrettably
• unluckily
• woefully

Opposites of Unfortunately

• fortunately
• luckily

Common mistakes with Unfortunately

• 'Unfortuately' is a common misspelling.
• Sometimes confused with 'unluckily', which has a similar meaning but is less formal.
• Used in positive contexts by mistake.

Frequently asked questions about Unfortunately

What does Unfortunately mean?

sadly or regrettably

What is the definition of Unfortunately?

used to say that a particular situation or fact makes you sad or disappointed, or gets you into a difficult position

How do you use Unfortunately in a sentence?

Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the meeting.

Can you give another example of Unfortunately?

I can't make it, unfortunately.

What are synonyms for Unfortunately?

Common alternatives include sadly, regrettably, unluckily, woefully.

What is the opposite of Unfortunately?

Opposite meanings include fortunately, luckily.

What words go with Unfortunately?

It commonly pairs with unfortunately, it seems, unfortunately, we have, unfortunately, there was.

What are common mistakes when using Unfortunately?

'Unfortuately' is a common misspelling. Sometimes confused with 'unluckily', which has a similar meaning but is less formal. Used in positive contexts by mistake.

How do you pronounce Unfortunately?

US: /["/ʌnˈfɔːrtʃənətli/"]/, UK: /["/ʌnˈfɔːtʃənətli/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Unfortunately?

Use 'unfortunately' to express bad news or a negative outcome. Suitable for both spoken and written English, but avoid in very casual contexts.

What CEFR level is Unfortunately?

"Unfortunately" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.