unfortunately

unfortunately — adverb

1. Said before stating a fact that you wish were not true, because it is bad news,

1.副詞A2
釋義

Said before stating a fact that you wish were not true, because it is bad news, causes problems, or is disappointing.

例句

Unfortunately, the last train had already left when Esteban reached the station.

sentence adverb at start + comma

Mira wanted to study medicine, but unfortunately her grades were not high enough.

but unfortunately + clause

同義詞
  • sadly

    More emotional and personal than 'unfortunately'; often used for genuinely sorrowful events

  • regrettably

    Slightly more formal than 'unfortunately'; common in official announcements and written notices

  • unluckily

    Emphasises bad luck or chance rather than just disappointment; less common in everyday speech

反義詞
  • fortunately

    Direct opposite; introduces good news rather than bad

  • luckily

    Less formal than 'fortunately'; emphasises good chance or fortune

文法句型

unfortunately, + clause

unfortunately for + noun phrase

but unfortunately + clause

用法筆記

Unlike typical adverbs that modify a single verb, 'unfortunately' is a sentence adverb — it comments on the truth or desirability of the whole statement. It most naturally appears at the beginning of a clause followed by a comma, but it also works mid-sentence after 'but' or 'and'.

常見錯誤

❌He unfortunately fell down the stairs.' (if meaning he fell in an unlucky way).
✅Unfortunately, he fell down the stairs.
💡'Unfortunately' as a sentence adverb comments on the whole situation, not the manner of the action. For manner, you would use an adverb like 'badly' or 'clumsily'.