Dictionary
English - Japanese

Unfortunately

ˌənˈfɔrtʃ(ə)nətli
Very common
~ 1900
~ 1900
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

残念ながら (ざんねんながら), 不運にも (ふうんにも), 残念なことに (ざんねんなことに)

Unfortunately meanings in Japanese

残念ながら (ざんねんながら)

Example:
Unfortunately, I can't attend the meeting.
残念ながら、会議に出席できません。
Unfortunately, the event has been canceled.
残念ながら、そのイベントは中止になりました。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used to express regret or disappointment about a situation.
Note: This is the most common translation for 'unfortunately' and can be used in both spoken and written Japanese.

不運にも (ふうんにも)

Example:
Unfortunately, he lost his job.
不運にも、彼は仕事を失いました。
Unfortunately, she was unable to finish the race.
不運にも、彼女はレースを完走できませんでした。
Usage: formalContext: Used in more formal contexts or literary language to express misfortune.
Note: This expression is less commonly used in everyday conversation and is more appropriate for formal writing.

残念なことに (ざんねんなことに)

Example:
Unfortunately, the weather was bad.
残念なことに、天気が悪かったです。
Unfortunately, I missed the bus.
残念なことに、バスに乗り遅れました。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in both spoken and written Japanese to express disappointment.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the unfortunate nature of a situation and can be used similarly to 'unfortunately.'

Unfortunately's synonyms

sadly

Sadly means in a sorrowful or regretful manner.
Example: Sadly, the concert was canceled due to bad weather.
Note: Sadly conveys a sense of emotional disappointment or sorrow.

lamentably

Lamentably means in a way that is regrettable or unfortunate.
Example: Lamentably, the project did not meet the deadline.
Note: Lamentably carries a stronger sense of expressing sorrow or disappointment.

Unfortunately expressions, common phrases

It's a pity

This phrase expresses regret or disappointment about a situation.
Example: It's a pity that the concert was canceled due to bad weather.
Note: It's a more polite and sympathetic way of expressing disappointment compared to 'unfortunately.'

Regrettably

This is a formal way of expressing regret or disappointment.
Example: Regrettably, I won't be able to attend the meeting tomorrow.
Note: It is a more formal synonym for 'unfortunately.'

Alas

This is an old-fashioned interjection used to express sorrow, regret, or disappointment.
Example: Alas, I missed the last train and now I have to take a cab home.
Note: It is a more poetic or antiquated way of expressing 'unfortunately.'

Sad to say

This phrase indicates regret or disappointment about a situation.
Example: Sad to say, the project didn't meet the deadline.
Note: It is a softer way of conveying disappointment compared to 'unfortunately.'

In a sad turn of events

This phrase introduces a disappointing or unfortunate development.
Example: In a sad turn of events, the company had to lay off several employees.
Note: It sets a tone of storytelling or narration and is more elaborate than simply saying 'unfortunately.'

To one's regret

This phrase indicates personal regret or disappointment.
Example: To my regret, I forgot to bring the important documents to the meeting.
Note: It emphasizes personal responsibility for the unfortunate situation.

It breaks my heart to say

This phrase emphasizes emotional distress or sorrow in delivering unfortunate news.
Example: It breaks my heart to say that the team lost the championship match.
Note: It conveys a deeper emotional impact compared to 'unfortunately.'

Unfortunately everyday (slang) expressions

Bummer

Bummer is a casual way to express disappointment or bad luck.
Example: Bummer! The concert got canceled tonight.
Note: Bummer is more informal and colloquial than saying 'unfortunately'.

Tough break

Tough break refers to a situation where someone experiences something unfortunate or unlucky.
Example: Tough break, but we'll have to cancel our vacation plans.
Note: Tough break emphasizes the difficulty of the situation more than a simple 'unfortunately'.

Hard luck

Hard luck is used to sympathize with someone's misfortune or lack of success.
Example: Hard luck with that job interview. Better luck next time.
Note: Hard luck focuses on acknowledging the tough situation rather than just stating 'unfortunately'.

Tough luck

Tough luck is similar to hard luck, expressing a lack of sympathy for someone's unfortunate circumstance.
Example: You missed the deadline? Tough luck.
Note: Tough luck can come across as a bit harsh or unsympathetic compared to 'unfortunately'.

Unfortunately - Examples

Unfortunately, I cannot attend the meeting tomorrow.
The weather forecast is unfortunately predicting rain for the entire weekend.
Unfortunately, the package was damaged during shipping.

Unfortunately grammar

Unfortunately - Adverb (Adverb) / Adverb (Adverb)
Lemma: unfortunately
Conjugations
Adverb (Adverb): unfortunately
Syllables, Separation and Stress
unfortunately Contains 5 syllables: un • for • tu • nate • ly
Phonetic transcription: ˌən-ˈfȯrch-nət-lē
un for tu nate ly , ˌən ˈfȯrch nət (The red syllable is stressed)

Unfortunately - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
unfortunately: ~ 1900 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Vocafy, efficient language learning
Vocafy, efficient language learning
Vocafy helps you discover, organize, and learn new words and phrases with ease. Build personalized vocabulary collections, and practice anytime, anywhere.