unfortunately
un-FOR-chuh-nit-lee/ʌnˈfɔɹ.t͡ʃə.nɪt.li/UKun-FAW-tyuu-nuht-lee/ʌnˈfɔː.tjʊ.nət.li/
- 1used when you are sorry or sad about something bad
Unfortunately, it started to rain just before the picnic.
I really wanted to come, but unfortunately I was too sick to leave the house.
UsageUsually first in the sentence, with a comma: Unfortunately, it rained.
Note
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Origin
It comes from "unfortunate" plus "-ly," or from "un-" plus "fortunately."
Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 1 fact
- “Unfortunately” derives from “unfortunate” plus “-ly,” or alternatively from “un-” plus “fortunately.” en.wiktionary.org