fortunate
gb/fˈɔɹt͡ʃənɪt/ us/fˈɔɹt͡ʃənɪt/
B1
English
~ 3100
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
lucky or favored by chance
Having good luck or being in a good situation without planning it.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is fortunate (to [do something])
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'fortunate' with 'happy'; 'fortunate' focuses on luck or circumstances, not just feeling pleased.
Synonyms
lucky (More casual and common; often interchangeable but 'fortunate' can sound slightly more formal.)
Antonyms
unlucky (Describes someone who experiences bad luck instead of good luck.)
Collocations
fortunate enough
|feel fortunate
|consider oneself fortunate
|fortunate circumstance
|fortunate coincidence
Themes
daily life
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Examples
- We were fortunate to find shelter before the storm began.
- She considered herself fortunate to have such supportive friends.
- It was fortunate that no one was hurt in the accident.
- He’s fortunate enough to work in a job he loves.
- They had the fortunate coincidence of meeting in Paris.
Learner examples
- I am fortunate to have a good family.
- She is fortunate to live near the beach.
- We are fortunate to have clean water.
- He feels fortunate to have many friends.
adjective
B2
property
2
producing a good outcome
Causing something good to happen, often by chance.
Usage pattern:
a fortunate [event/situation/result]
Synonyms
beneficial (Highlights the positive effect rather than the element of chance.)
Antonyms
unfortunate (Describes events or results that are bad or harmful.)
Collocations
fortunate event
|fortunate outcome
|fortunate result
Themes
daily life
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Examples
- It was a fortunate decision that saved the company money.
- Their meeting proved to be a fortunate event for both.
- The rain ended at a fortunate time for the parade.
Learner examples
- It was a fortunate day for our team.
- The new law had a fortunate effect on small businesses.
- Her call came at a fortunate time.
Grammar
Dictionary form
fortunate
IPA
GB/fˈɔɹt͡ʃənɪt/
US/fˈɔɹt͡ʃənɪt/
Syllables & stress
for - tu - nate (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (for)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: fortunate
Word family
Core family
fortunately
adverb B1
fortune
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
fortuitous
adjective
fortuitously
adverb
Expressions
consider oneself fortunate
1/kənsˈɪdɚ wˌʌnsˈɛlf fˈɔɹt͡ʃənɪt/
fixed phrase
to feel lucky about something
To think you are lucky to have something or be in a situation.
Examples
- I consider myself fortunate to have such caring parents.
- You should consider yourself fortunate you weren’t hurt.
fortunate enough to
1/fˈɔɹt͡ʃənɪt ɪnˈʌf tə/
fixed phrase
lucky to be able to do something
Lucky to have the chance or ability to do something.
Examples
- We were fortunate enough to see the rare bird.
- She was fortunate enough to get the last ticket.