Misfortunate vs. Unfortunate: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Misfortunate refers to experiencing bad luck, while unfortunate implies something regrettable or unlucky, often with broader implications.
Key Differences
Misfortunate specifically denotes being subject to unfortunate circumstances, typically due to bad luck, whereas unfortunate is a broader term that can refer to events, situations, or outcomes that are regrettable or causing misfortune.
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Nov 24, 2023
The term misfortunate is often used in contexts emphasizing the role of luck or chance in someone's distress, whereas unfortunate is used in a wider range of contexts, including describing events, decisions, or actions that have negative outcomes.
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Nov 24, 2023
Misfortunate is less commonly used in modern English compared to unfortunate, which is a more versatile term applicable in various scenarios, from mild disappointment to serious adversity.
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Nov 24, 2023
While misfortunate tends to focus on the personal experience of bad luck, unfortunate can be used to describe not only personal misfortunes but also unfortunate circumstances in a broader sense, including societal or global issues.
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Nov 24, 2023
In usage, misfortunate is typically reserved for specific instances of bad luck affecting individuals, whereas unfortunate can be used both subjectively to express sympathy and objectively to describe regrettable situations.
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Nov 24, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage Frequency
Less common in modern English
Widely used in various contexts
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Nov 24, 2023
Scope of Application
Usually personal misfortune
Broader, including personal and general cases
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Nov 24, 2023
Implication
Emphasizes the role of luck or chance
Can imply regret, misfortune, or poor outcomes
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Nov 24, 2023
Example Context
"He was misfortunate to lose his keys."
"It's unfortunate that the event was canceled."
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Misfortunate and Unfortunate Definitions
Unfortunate
Not favored by fortune; unlucky.
The unfortunate player missed the winning shot.
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Nov 17, 2023
Misfortunate
Experiencing bad luck.
The misfortunate gambler lost all his money.
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Unfortunate
Having or involving bad luck.
It was unfortunate that they got caught in the rain.
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Misfortunate
Subject to unfortunate circumstances.
It was misfortunate that she missed her flight.
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Nov 17, 2023
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Unfortunate
Causing or entailing misfortune.
The unfortunate consequences were unforeseen.
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Nov 17, 2023
Misfortunate
Affected by an unfortunate event.
The misfortunate sailor was stranded at sea.
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Misfortunate
Suffering from misfortune.
The misfortunate family faced many challenges.
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Nov 17, 2023
Unfortunate
Marked by or full of misfortune.
The unfortunate incident caused much distress.
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Nov 17, 2023
Unfortunate
Characterized by, bringing, or causing misfortune
An unfortunate turn of events.
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Oct 19, 2023
Misfortunate
Deserving or inciting pity;
A hapless victim
Miserable victims of war
The shabby room struck her as extraordinarily pathetic
Piteous appeals for help
Pitiable homeless children
A pitiful fate
Oh, you poor thing
His poor distorted limbs
A wretched life
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Oct 19, 2023
Unfortunate
Not fortunate; unsuccessful; not prosperous; unlucky; attended with misfortune; unhappy; as, an unfortunate adventure; an unfortunate man; an unfortunate commander; unfortunate business.
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Oct 19, 2023
Unfortunate
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
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Oct 19, 2023
Unfortunate
Unsuitable or regrettable;
An unfortunate choice of words
An unfortunate speech
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does "Unfortunate" mean?
"Unfortunate" is an adjective that describes a situation, event, or person that is characterized by bad luck, sorrow, or hardship.
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Nov 24, 2023
Is there a noun form of "unfortunate"?
Yes, the noun form of "unfortunate" is "unfortunate," referring to a person who is experiencing misfortune.
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Nov 24, 2023
Is "Unfortunate" synonymous with "Misfortunate"?
Yes, "unfortunate" and "misfortunate" are synonyms, but "unfortunate" is the more commonly used term.
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Nov 24, 2023
Is "Unfortunate" a positive or negative word?
"Unfortunate" is a negative word, as it conveys a sense of bad luck or adversity.
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Nov 24, 2023
Can "unfortunate" be used to describe both people and situations?
Yes, "unfortunate" can be used to describe both individuals and circumstances.
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Nov 24, 2023
What's the opposite of "unfortunate"?
The opposite of "unfortunate" is "fortunate" or "lucky."
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Nov 24, 2023
Can "unfortunate" also describe a regrettable action or decision?
Yes, "unfortunate" can be used to describe actions or decisions that lead to unfortunate outcomes.
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Nov 24, 2023
Are there any synonyms for "unfortunate"?
Yes, synonyms for "unfortunate" include "unlucky," "tragic," "sad," and "miserable."
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Nov 24, 2023
Is "unfortunate" a formal or informal word?
"Unfortunate" is a relatively neutral word and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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Nov 24, 2023
Can you give an example sentence using "unfortunate"?
Certainly! "It's unfortunate that the weather ruined our outdoor picnic."
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Nov 24, 2023
Is "unfortunate" used differently in American and British English?
"Unfortunate" is used similarly in both American and British English, with no significant differences in meaning or usage.
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Nov 24, 2023
Are there different degrees of "unfortunate"?
Yes, "unfortunate" can describe situations ranging from mildly unfortunate to extremely tragic or dire.
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Nov 24, 2023
Is "unfortunate" used in legal or technical contexts?
"Unfortunate" is generally not used in legal or technical contexts, where more precise language is preferred.
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Nov 24, 2023
Can "unfortunate" be used to describe a mistake or error?
Yes, "unfortunate" can be used to describe mistakes or errors that lead to unfortunate outcomes.
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Nov 24, 2023
Can "unfortunate" be used to describe natural disasters?
Yes, "unfortunate" can be used to describe the impact of natural disasters on people or communities.
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Nov 24, 2023
Is there a verb form of "unfortunate"?
No, "unfortunate" is primarily an adjective, and there is no verb form.
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Nov 24, 2023
Can "unfortunate" be used to describe a series of unfortunate events?
Yes, "unfortunate" can be used to describe a sequence of events marked by bad luck or adversity, as in the phrase "a series of unfortunate events."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023
Can you use "unfortunate" to express sympathy?
Yes, it is common to use "unfortunate" when expressing sympathy, such as saying, "I heard about your unfortunate situation, and I'm sorry."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 24, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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