Need another word for Unfortunate? Use these synonyms of Unfortunate from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
unlucky
unfortunate
hapless
luckless
ill-fated
doomed
ill-starred
star-crossed
calamitous
disastrous
regrettable
deplorable
lamentable
unhappy
miserable
wretched
pitiful
pathetic
distressing
troubling
sorrowful
mournful
gloomy
dismal
depressing
discouraging
disheartening
unpleasant
undesirable
unfavorable
inauspicious
unpropitious
adverse
unfavorable
inopportune
Meaning of Unfortunate
The primary meaning of the word "Unfortunate" is having or marked by bad luck, unfortunate events, or unhappy circumstances.
Definitions
- Giving rise to regret, disappointment, or unpleasantness because of being undesirable or unfortunate
- Having or marked by bad luck, unfortunate events, or unhappy circumstances
- Causing regret, disappointment, or unpleasantness because of being undesirable or unfortunate
Etymology of Unfortunate
The word "Unfortunate" originated from the combination of "un-" (meaning not or opposite of) and "fortunate" (meaning having good luck or a favorable outcome), with "fortunate" coming from the Latin "fortunatus," past participle of "fortunare," which means to make lucky or favorable
Historically, the term has been used since the 15th century to describe people, events, or circumstances that are marked by bad luck or unfortunate outcomes
Example Uses
- The team had an unfortunate loss in the final game of the season
- She had the unfortunate experience of being stuck in an elevator for hours
- The company's unfortunate decision to downsize led to widespread layoffs
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
fortunate
lucky
happy
prosperous
successful
favorable
advantageous
beneficial
desirable
pleasant
encouraging
heartening
uplifting
promising
opportune
auspicious
propitious
beneficial
advantageous
desirable
pleasant