B2adjective2K

Unfortunate

UK /["/ʌnˈfɔːtʃənət/"]/US /["/ʌnˈfɔːrtʃənət/"]/

Definition

having bad luck; caused by bad luck

In simple words: Something bad that happens.

Examples

  • He was unfortunate to lose in the final round.
  • It was an unfortunate accident.
  • The unfortunate animal was locked inside the house for a week.
  • She described the decision as ‘unfortunate’.
  • It was unfortunate that he couldn't speak English.
  • You're putting me in a **most unfortunate** position.
  • It was an unfortunate choice of words.

Usage notes

Use 'unfortunate' to describe situations or events that have a negative outcome. It's neutral, but avoid it in very casual conversations where simpler terms like 'bad' might be more common.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'unfortunate' as 'un-lucky'—something that didn't go well.

Collocations

  • be
  • seem
  • consider somebody/​something
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • be
  • seem
  • consider somebody/​something
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • be
  • seem
  • consider somebody/​something
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very

Synonyms

  • unlucky

Antonyms

  • fortunate
  • lucky

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'unfortunate' vs 'unfortunately' — remember one is an adjective and the other is an adverb.
  • Using 'unfortunate' as a noun. It should only be an adjective.
  • Forget to use it in the right contexts; use instead of just saying 'bad'.