unfortunate
unfortunate — adjective
1. Connected with bad luck — either because a person experiences it, or because an
Connected with bad luck — either because a person experiences it, or because an event produces harm or difficulty.
Élise was unfortunate to lose her job just before her father fell ill.
unfortunate + to-infinitive for a person's bad luck
The team suffered an unfortunate defeat in the final match of the season.
It was an unfortunate accident that left the cyclist with a broken wrist.
An unfortunate series of events forced the school to cancel the trip.
Camila felt unfortunate when both her flights were cancelled on the same day.
- unlucky
more direct and common in everyday speech; less formal than unfortunate
- ill-fated
more dramatic and literary, often used for doomed plans or journeys
- disastrous
stronger — results in serious harm or destruction, not just bad luck
文法句型
unfortunate + noun
be unfortunate + to-infinitive
be unfortunate + that-clause
用法筆記
Often used before a noun (attributive) to describe events or outcomes: an unfortunate accident, an unfortunate loss. Can also follow a linking verb: She was unfortunate to miss the train.
常見錯誤
2. If a comment or action is described this way, it creates awkwardness or makes pe
If a comment or action is described this way, it creates awkwardness or makes people feel insulted because it does not fit the social situation.
The minister made an unfortunate remark about the cost of living that upset many voters.
make + an unfortunate remark about [topic]
Owen realised his unfortunate joke had offended several people at the dinner table.
Choosing that outfit for a solemn ceremony was an unfortunate choice.
Gabriela's unfortunate comment about the deadline came across as rude to the new manager.
It was an unfortunate choice of words that made the apology seem insincere.
- inappropriate
more direct; focuses on the mismatch with the situation
- regrettable
milder and more diplomatic, often used in formal apologies
- ill-advised
warns against the action; suggests poor judgment
- appropriate
suitable for the situation
- tactful
shows sensitivity to others' feelings
文法句型
unfortunate + noun (remark, comment, choice)
be unfortunate + to-infinitive
find something unfortunate
用法筆記
The adjective describes the remark or behaviour itself, not the speaker's intention — someone may make an unfortunate comment without meaning to offend. Common in formal criticism or apologies.
常見錯誤
unfortunate — noun
1. A person who has experienced bad luck, especially someone living in difficult co
A person who has experienced bad luck, especially someone living in difficult conditions such as poverty or homelessness.
Every winter, the church collects food and coats for the unfortunate in the area.
the unfortunate — collective noun for unlucky people
Adaeze gave her train seat to an unfortunate who had stood for an hour.
After the earthquake, thousands of unfortunates camped in temporary shelters.
The government programme aims to help the unfortunate find stable housing.
Mira brought a warm meal to the unfortunate who lived alone next door.
- fortunate soul
someone who enjoys good luck
文法句型
the unfortunate (collective)
unfortunates (plural)
an unfortunate
用法筆記
Often used in the plural (the unfortunates) or as a collective group (the unfortunate). Can sound old-fashioned or overly formal in casual conversation; 'people in need' or 'the homeless' are more common alternatives.