Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Marked by or causing bad luck or adverse outcomes: Describes a situation, event, or condition that is characterized by misfortune or an undesirable result.
   • Regrettable or unsuitable: Describes something that is inappropriate, disappointing, or worthy of pity or sorrow.

2. Noun:

   • A person who suffers from bad luck or hardship: Refers to an individual experiencing or characterized by misfortune.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • It was an unfortunate accident that could have been avoided. (This describes an event with a bad outcome.)
  • He made an unfortunate remark during the meeting, causing offense. (This describes a regrettable or unsuitable choice.)
  • The team's unfortunate loss eliminated them from the tournament. (This describes an adverse result.)

• Noun:

  • The charity aims to help the unfortunates in our society. (This refers to people suffering hardship.)

Advanced Usage

• "the unfortunate" (plural noun): Used collectively to refer to people who are unlucky or in a pitiable state.

  • We must not forget the plight of the unfortunate.

• "unfortunate enough to...": A phrase used to emphasize the bad luck involved in an experience.

  • She was unfortunate enough to lose her passport on the first day of her trip.

Variants and Related Words

• Unfortunately (adverb): Used to express regret or sorrow about a situation.

  • Unfortunately, the concert was canceled due to rain.

• Unfortunateness (noun, rare): The state or quality of being unfortunate.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Unlucky, ill-fated, regrettable, lamentable, inauspicious, hapless.
• Noun: Wretch, victim.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Fortunate, lucky, auspicious, felicitous, happy.
• Noun: Lucky person.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• An unfortunate necessity: Something that is regrettable but cannot be avoided.

  • Laying off staff was an unfortunate necessity for the company's survival.

• In an unfortunate position: To be in a difficult or embarrassing situation.

  • The scandal left the politician in a very unfortunate position.

Adjective

1. unsuitable or regrettable
   • an unfortunate choice of words
   • an unfortunate speech
2. not auspicious; boding ill
3. not favored by fortune; marked or accompanied by or resulting in ill fortune
   • an unfortunate turn of events
   • an unfortunate decision
   • unfortunate investments
   • an unfortunate night for all concerned

Noun

1. a person who suffers misfortune