unfortunate
/ʌn'fɔ:tʃnit/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
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.
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
- unsuitable or regrettable
- an unfortunate choice of words
- an unfortunate speech
- not auspicious; boding ill
- 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
- a person who suffers misfortune