unfortunate
unfortunate
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "unfortunate" is /ʌnˈfɔːr.tʃə.nət/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
un: /ʌn/ - A short "u" sound, similar to the "u" in "cup," followed by the "n" sound.
for: /fɔːr/ - An "f" sound, followed by a long "or" sound, similar to the "or" in "fork," and then an "r" sound.
tu: /tʃə/ - A "ch" sound, as in "church," followed by a schwa sound (ə), which is a very short, unstressed vowel, similar to the "a" in "about."
nate: /nət/ - An "n" sound, followed by a short "i" sound, as in "bit," and then a "t" sound.
Word Form Variations
unfortunate (adjective): This is the base form, describing something or someone experiencing misfortune. Example: The unfortunate traveler lost their passport.
unfortunate (plural noun): This refers to people who are in a generally unfortunate situation or group of unfortunate people. Example: The shelter provided food and warmth for the unfortunate. (Note: This usage is somewhat formal and less common than other forms.)
unfortunately (adverb): This modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, indicating that something happens in an unfortunate way. Example: Unfortunately, the train was delayed.
unfortunateness (noun): This is the abstract noun form, referring to the state of being unfortunate. Example: The unfortunateness of their situation was apparent. (This form is less common and sounds a bit formal.)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective:
Definition: Experiencing or characterized by bad luck, misfortune, or hardship. Deserving of pity or sympathy due to adverse circumstances.
Synonyms: unlucky, ill-fated, hapless, miserable, wretched, woeful, tragic
Antonyms: fortunate, lucky, blessed, happy, prosperous, successful
Adverb:
Definition: In an unfortunate or regrettable manner; sadly; regrettably.
Synonyms: sadly, regrettably, unluckily, disappointingly, unfortunately
Antonyms: fortunately, luckily, happily, successfully
Noun (less common usage):
Definition: (Often used in the plural "unfortunates") People who are in a difficult or disadvantaged situation.
Synonyms: the disadvantaged, the needy, the afflicted, the suffering, the downtrodden
Antonyms: the fortunate, the privileged, the lucky, the successful
Noun (less common and more formal usage):
Definition: The state or condition of being unfortunate; misfortune.
Synonyms: misfortune, adversity, hardship, misery, tragedy, calamity
Antonyms: fortune, luck, prosperity, success, happiness
Examples of Use
Literature/Books:
"It is an unfortunate thing that people, when they are prosperous, are so apt to forget God." (Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice) This classic example shows the adjective use, highlighting the negative consequence of forgetting God due to prosperity.
"The unfortunate who were left behind tried to keep up a brave face." (This is a fictional example demonstrating the less common plural noun usage.)
Newspapers/Online Publications:
"An unfortunate incident involving a car accident closed down the highway during rush hour." (Example of adjective use in a news report, describing a negative event.)
"Unfortunately, the company has announced another round of layoffs." (Example of adverb use in a business news article, expressing regret about a negative situation.) (This is a fictional example, but reflects typical news reporting)
Entertainment/Platforms:
"That was an unfortunate turn of events for the contestant." (Reality TV show host comment, using the adjective to describe a competitor's setback. This is a fictional example, but reflects common reality TV discourse.)
"Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the concert has been canceled." (Statement from a band or venue, using the adverb to express regret about an event cancellation. This is a fictional example, but reflects typical event announcements.)
General Public Discourse:
"It's unfortunate that the weather is so bad for the picnic." (Casual conversation, using the adjective to express disappointment about a situation.)
"Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it to the party." (Casual conversation, using the adverb to politely decline an invitation.)
"The unfortunate victims of the flood are in need of assistance." (Public appeal for donations, using the plural noun to refer to those affected by a disaster. This is a fictional example, but reflects typical charitable appeals.)
10 Famous Quotes Using Unfortunate
"The most unfortunate thing that happens to a person who fears failure is that he limits himself by becoming afraid to try anything new." — Leo Buscaglia
"It is unfortunate that we try to teach children everything, but never let them discover anything on their own." — Jean Piaget (paraphrased)
"It is an unfortunate human failing that a full pocketbook often groans more loudly than an empty stomach." — Franklin D. Roosevelt
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." — Somerset Maugham
"There are no fortunate or unfortunate events; only our perception makes them so." — Epictetus (adapted from Stoic teachings)
"It is unfortunate, considering that enthusiasm moves the world, that so few enthusiasts can be trusted to tell the truth." — Arthur Balfour
"The unfortunate thing about aging is that it tends to make one think about things too much." — Joan Didion
"Unfortunate truths are still truths. To ignore them is to invite greater consequences." — James Baldwin (paraphrased)
"It is unfortunate that facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored." — Aldous Huxley
"We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle — even for the unfortunate." — H.G. Wells (adapted)
Etymology
"Un-": This prefix means "not," the opposite of. Think of words like "unhappy" or "undo."
"Fortunate": This word comes from the Latin word "fortuna," meaning "fortune" or "chance." "Fortunate" describes someone who has good luck or a favorable chance.
Putting it together, "unfortunate" literally means "not fortunate" or "without good fortune." It describes someone or something experiencing bad luck or unfavorable circumstances.
While pinpointing the very first use of the word is difficult (records aren't that precise!), we know that "fortunate" and its related concepts have been around for a long time, going back to ancient Roman times with the idea of Fortuna, the goddess of fortune. The prefix "un-" was also a common way to create opposites in English. So, it's likely "unfortunate" as a combined word appeared sometime after "fortunate" was established in English, probably in the late Middle Ages or early modern period (think 14th-16th centuries), as English vocabulary expanded.
The core meaning has remained consistent: lacking good fortune, experiencing bad luck, or being in a regrettable situation. It's a word rooted in the ancient idea that chance and fortune play a role in our lives, and sometimes, that chance is not on our side.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Unfortunate
"Unfortunate" isn't a word that pops up in a lot of common idioms. It's more of a descriptive adjective than something used in colorful, figurative language. Idioms tend to be more concise and impactful, and "unfortunate" can sometimes feel a bit long for that purpose. Also, its meaning is fairly straightforward, so it doesn't often need the extra layer of figurative language that idioms provide.
Phrases using "unfortunate":
Unfortunate incident/event/circumstance: This is a common collocation, referring to a specific instance of bad luck or misfortune.
In an unfortunate turn of events: This phrase highlights a shift from good fortune to bad.
The unfortunate truth/reality: This phrase emphasizes a harsh or unpleasant fact.
Unfortunate soul/individual: This phrase expresses sympathy for someone experiencing misfortune.
Original phrases (capturing the essence):
To be caught in an unfortunate twist of fate.
The unfortunate hand that life has dealt.
To suffer an unfortunate reversal of fortune.
To find oneself in an unfortunate predicament.
Idioms using synonyms (for a similar effect):
Down on one's luck: (Similar to "unfortunate" in describing someone experiencing hardship)
Hard luck story: (A narrative of unfortunate events)
To have bad luck: (A general expression of misfortune)
To be in a pickle: (To be in an unfortunate or difficult situation)
Out of the frying pan and into the fire: (Going from a bad situation to a worse one, an unfortunate progression)
Why so few "unfortunate" idioms?
As mentioned earlier, "unfortunate" is a bit lengthy for typical idiom usage. Idioms are often short, punchy, and memorable. Also, the meaning of "unfortunate" is quite literal and doesn't usually need the kind of figurative boost that idioms provide. Finally, there might be a slight negative connotation associated with using "unfortunate" in a light or playful way, which is often what idioms do. We're more likely to use it for genuinely regrettable situations.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of unfortunate from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
