unfortunately
gb/ʌnfˈɔɹt͡ʃənɪtli/ us/ʌnfˈɔɹt͡ʃənɪtli/
A2
English
~ 2000
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
property
1
expressing regret about bad luck
Used to say that something is sad, bad, or unlucky.
Usage pattern:
Unfortunately, [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'unfortunately' with 'unlucky', but 'unfortunately' describes the situation as a whole, not a person.
Synonyms
regrettably (Slightly more formal and often used in writing.)
|
sadly (More emotional and often used when the speaker feels personal sorrow.)
Antonyms
fortunately (Expresses that something turned out well or luckily instead of badly.)
Collocations
unfortunately for
|unfortunately, it seems
|unfortunately, this means
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Unfortunately, we missed the last train home.
- Unfortunately for him, the job was already taken.
- The weather, unfortunately, was too stormy for sailing.
- Unfortunately, I can't join you for dinner tonight.
- Unfortunately, the tickets were sold out by the time we arrived.
Learner examples
- Unfortunately, I lost my keys.
- Unfortunately, it rained all day.
- Unfortunately, she is sick today.
- Unfortunately, we cannot go to the park.
- Unfortunately, he failed the test.
Grammar
Dictionary form
unfortunately
IPA
GB/ʌnfˈɔɹt͡ʃənɪtli/
US/ʌnfˈɔɹt͡ʃənɪtli/
Syllables & stress
un - for - tu - nately (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (for)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: unfortunately
- Plural: unfortunatelies
Word family
Forms
unfortunatelies
noun
Core family
fortunate
adjective B1
fortunately
adverb B1
Related words
fortune
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
unfortunate
adjective B1
misfortune
noun B1
Expressions
Unfortunately for [someone]
1/ʌnfˈɔɹt͡ʃənɪtli fɚ sˈʌmwˌʌn/
fixed phrase
introducing bad news for someone
Used to say that something is bad or unlucky for a certain person.
Examples
- Unfortunately for Sarah, the flight was delayed by several hours.
- Unfortunately for us, the shop had closed early.