Words / B2

un-FORCH-uh-n-uh-t/ʌnˈfɔːtʃənət/

Unfortunate means unlucky or regrettable: an unfortunate error; it is unfortunate that. Unfortunately is already in the dictionary. Lucky/fortunate are opposites (fortunate is in B1). Sad is more emotional. Do not call a crime merely unfortunate if you mean unjust. Formal apologies: an unfortunate incident — sometimes criticised as vague.

Meaning

Unlucky, or regrettable.

Examples

• “It is unfortunate that the sample omitted rural schools.”
• “An unfortunate clash of dates forced a resit.”

Good to know

an unfortunate + noun; it is unfortunate that. Adverb: unfortunately. Opposite: fortunate / lucky. Vague PR: an unfortunate incident. Stronger: unjust / tragic.

Near in meaning

unlucky

New