American English
/ənˈfɔɹ.ʧə.nət̚/
4 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
Causing problems, sadness, or disappointment; regrettable.
“Unfortunate” is usually pronounced /ənˈfɔɹ.ʧə.nət̚/. Some speakers also say /ənˈfɔɹ.ʧu.nət̚/.
Causing problems, sadness, or disappointment; regrettable.
The flight delay was unfortunate.
That was an unfortunate choice.
unfortunate accident · unfortunate situation · unfortunate decision
an unfortunate + noun
It is unfortunate that + sentence
Having bad luck or being affected by bad luck.
The unfortunate family lost their home in the fire.
He has been unfortunate in love.
This meaning is less common than “regrettable.”
unfortunate person
be + unfortunate
an unfortunate + person
It is regrettable that something happened or is true.
It is unfortunate that you cannot stay.
an accident that causes harm or trouble, often by chance
She was hurt in an unfortunate accident.