Words / B1

un-FORCH-uh-n-uh-tlee/ʌnˈfɔːtʃənətli/

Unfortunately introduces something sad or unlucky. Unfortunately, the train was late. Sadly can be stronger or more emotional. Luckily is the opposite opener. Unfortunate is the adjective: an unfortunate mistake. Put it at the start or after the subject: I unfortunately missed the call.

Meaning

Used to say that something is sad or unlucky.

Examples

• “Unfortunately, the train was cancelled.”
• “Unfortunately, we have no rooms left.”
• “She was unfortunately too ill to attend.”

Good to know

sentence adverb. Opposite opener: luckily. Adjective: unfortunate.

Near in meaning

sadly

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