Added 9 October 2026
unfortunately
/ʌnˈfɔː.tjʊ.nət.li/ adverb
In Latin: infeliciter, improsperē Wiktionary
adverb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about unfortunately at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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Happening through bad luck, or because of some unfortunate event.
He unfortunately placed his hand on a loose brick.
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Used (as a parenthetical word, often a sentence adverb) to express disappointment, compassion, sorrow, regret, or grief.
The houses which burned down could have been saved. Unfortunately, the fire truck had broken down on the way.
Origin
From unfortunate + -ly or un- + fortunately.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)