Unfortunately Meaning in English
word · lemma: unfortunate
/ənˈfɔɹtʃənətɫi/
uhn-FOR-chuh-nit-lee
/ʌnfˈɔːtʃənətli/
uhn-FAW-chuh-nit-lee
Definition
Used to say that something is sad, disappointing, or unlucky. It introduces bad news or a negative result.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both speaking and writing. It often appears at the beginning of a sentence: 'Unfortunately, ...'. More formal and less emotional than 'sadly'. Do not use it as an adjective; say 'an unfortunate mistake,' but 'Unfortunately, we made a mistake.'
Spanish: desafortunadamente - lamentablementePortuguese (BR): infelizmentePortuguese (PT): infelizmenteChinese (Simplified): 不幸的是 - 很遗憾Chinese (Traditional): 不幸的是 - 很遺憾Hindi: दुर्भाग्य सेArabic: للأسف - من سوء الحظBengali: দুঃখজনকভাবে - দুর্ভাগ্যবশতRussian: к сожалениюJapanese: 残念ながらVietnamese: thật không mayKorean: 안타깝게도Turkish: maalesef - ne yazık kiUrdu: بدقسمتی سےIndonesian: sayangnya
Example Sentences
Unfortunately, the store is closed today.
basic
He studied a lot, but unfortunately he failed the test.
basic
Unfortunately, we don't have enough time.
basic
I wanted to come, but unfortunately something came up at work.
natural
Unfortunately, that's not really an option for us right now.
natural
She was doing better, but unfortunately things got worse again.
natural