unfortunate

/ʌn'fɔ:tʃnit/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
unfortunate

An unfortunate accident delayed the train.

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.
unfortunate

An unfortunate accident delayed the train.

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