unenviably
gb/ʌnˈɛnvˈaɪəbli/ us/ʌnˈɛnvˈaɪəbli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
formal
C1
property
1
in an undesirable position
in a way that is not pleasant or not lucky
Usage pattern:
unenviably + [adjective] / be unenviably [past_participle] / be unenviably in/at/between [place/position]
Common mistake:
Often confused with "inevitably" because they look and sound similar; "unenviably" means "unluckily/in an awkward situation," not "certain to happen."
Synonyms
unfortunately (More general; not necessarily about being envied.)
|
regrettably (Often used for disappointing facts, especially in formal writing.)
|
awkwardly (Emphasizes difficulty or an uncomfortable position rather than bad luck.)
Antonyms
enviably (Describes a position others would like to have.)
|
fortunately (Emphasizes good luck rather than comparison with others.)
Collocations
unenviably close
|unenviably placed
|unenviably positioned
|unenviably situated
|unenviably high
|unenviably low
|unenviably exposed
|unenviably difficult
|unenviably tight
|unenviably stuck
Themes
evaluation
|emotions
|social_relations
Examples
- The company is unenviably caught between rising costs and customers who refuse higher prices.
- Our seats were unenviably close to the loudspeakers.
- She found herself unenviably responsible for delivering the bad news.
Learner examples
- He is unenviably busy this week.
- We were unenviably close to the smoke.
Grammar
Dictionary form
unenviably
IPA
GB/ʌnˈɛnvˈaɪəbli/
US/ʌnˈɛnvˈaɪəbli/
Syllables & stress
un - en - vi - ably (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (en)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: unenviably
- Plural: unenviablies
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.