American English

How to pronounce unfortunately

adverbB1Common word
uhnFORchuhnuhtlee

/ənˈfɔɹ.ʧə.nət̚.li/

5 syllables · Stress the second syllable.

Used to say that something bad or disappointing is true.

What to listen for

“Unfortunately” is commonly pronounced /ənˈfɔɹ.ʧə.nət̚.li/, and you may also hear /ənˈfɔɹ.ʧu.nət̚.li/.

Common pronunciation/ənˈfɔɹ.ʧə.nət̚.li/
Also heard/ənˈfɔɹ.ʧu.nət̚.li/
Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

adverb

Used to say that something bad or disappointing is true.

Unfortunately, the store is closed.

Unfortunately, we missed the last train.

Good to know

It often comes at the beginning of a sentence: Unfortunately, we can't stay. Do not use it to describe a person who often has bad luck; use unlucky.

Common phrases & grammar

unfortunately, no · unfortunately, yes · unfortunately for someone

Unfortunately, + subject + verb

Subject + unfortunately + verb

Related words & forms