26984 words

unfortunate

5 definitions • 6 examples
1
unlucky or having bad effects:

Examples:

She has inherited her father's large nose, which is very unfortunate.
[ + (that) ] It was unfortunate (that) he called at the exact moment when our guests were arriving.
2
(of remarks or behaviour) not suitable in a way that could cause embarrassment or offence:

Examples:

The housing director's comment that "the homeless could do more to help themselves" was unfortunate.
3
an unlucky person who is in a bad situation:

Examples:

He was one of the poor unfortunates who invested in the company and now finds himself a few thousand pounds poorer.
4
unlucky or having bad effects:

Examples:

What happened to Monica was just a freak accident – it was very unfortunate.
5
(of remarks or behavior) unsuitable in a way that could cause offense:

Examples:

It was an unfortunate remark that he later regretted.

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