English Dictionary
Definition of “unfortunate”
unfortunate (ʌnˈfɔːtʃənɪt
)
Definitions
adjective
- causing or attended by misfortune
- unlucky, unsuccessful, or unhappy ⇒
an unfortunate character
- regrettable or unsuitable ⇒
an unfortunate speech
Alternative Forms
unˈfortunateness noun
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
=
disastrous,
calamitous,
inopportune,
adverse,
untimely,
unfavourable,
untoward,
ruinous,
ill-starred,
infelicitous,
ill-fated,
=
unlucky,
poor,
unhappy,
doomed,
cursed,
hopeless,
unsuccessful,
hapless,
luckless,
out of luck
wretched,
star-crossed,
unprosperous
Usage examples
Since his landlord's unfortunate death, Dick no longer feels at ease out there and he has gone to retrieve his gear.
Anthony Masters, CASCADES - THE DAY OF THE DEAD (2001)There a meddlesome inspector, one Alan Upward by name, told the unfortunate publican that he had to remove the offending structures.
Country Life (2004)This approach is costly and slow and does not act in the best interests of those unfortunate people who suffer genuine injury or illness.
Irish Times (2002)Such unfortunate victims include the usually reliable Tomorrow's World with its anti-terror special.
Glasgow Herald (2001)I also felt an unjustified distaste for my unfortunate namesake.
Edited by Robin Robertson, MORTIFICATION: Writers' Stories of their Public Shame (2003)
