fortune

word

/ˈfɔɹtʃən/
FOR-chuhn
/fˈɔːtʃuːn/
FAW-chuhn

Definition

Fortune means luck, especially good luck, or a very large amount of money. It can also refer to the way life treats someone, especially in expressions about success or failure.

Usage & Nuances

Common in both everyday and literary English. 'Fortune' is broader and slightly more formal than 'luck'. For money, it usually means a huge amount: 'make a fortune', 'inherit a fortune'. Common expressions include 'good fortune', 'bad fortune', and 'fortune teller'.

Example Sentences

She had the good fortune to find a job quickly.

basic

His family lost their fortune in the war.

basic

Some people spend money to hear their fortune.

basic

He made a fortune selling apps before he turned thirty.

natural

By a strange twist of fortune, we ended up on the same flight.

natural

She doesn't believe in fortune tellers, but she went for fun.

natural