unfortunately

[uhn-fawr-chuh-nit-lee]

adverb

1. it is unfortunate that.

   Unfortunately, our flight was delayed for several hours.

2. in a way or to a degree that is unfortunate or unlucky.

   The project was unfortunately placed on hold until further notice.

3. in a way that is regrettable or unsuitable to the situation.

   Thank you for your comment, and I apologize for my unfortunately worded statement.

unfortunately

/ ʌnˈfɔːtʃənɪtlɪ /

adverb

1. (sentence modifier) it is regrettable that; unluckily

Word History and Origins

Origin of unfortunately¹

First recorded in 1540–50; unfortunate ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

“That is something that’s part of the job unfortunately,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's very sad news because unfortunately a man has lost his life there," he said.

From BBC

Musk posted on X that he “was invited, but unfortunately could not attend” and a representative would show up on his behalf.

From Los Angeles Times

He sounded exactly like an elderly person struggling to hide dementia, but unfortunately, that’s indistinguishable from his lifelong personality as an incurious person BSing his way through life.

From Salon

“And then, unfortunately, we just couldn’t kind of put up that zero to build off of it.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• sadly