What does infelicitously mean?
Infelicitously is the adverb form of infelicitous and means in an unlucky, unfortunate, or poorly judged manner. Its tone is formal and often mildly critical: a remark may be described as infelicitous when it is insensitive or badly timed, while an event may be infelicitous when it brings misfortune at an especially inconvenient moment. The word can therefore suggest not only bad luck but also an element of mistaken timing or inappropriate judgment. It is especially useful in editorial, literary, and professional contexts, where it gives a concise and precise description of something that has gone wrong. Although less common in everyday speech than unfortunately or unluckily, it can make a description sound more authoritative and expressive.
adverbIn an unfortunate, inauspicious, or ill-judged manner. It can describe an outcome that is unlucky or an action or remark that is poorly timed or inappropriate.
- In an unlucky or unfortunate manner.
- In an inappropriate, poorly judged, or ill-timed manner.
"The announcement was infelicitously timed, arriving just as the organization was facing criticism."
"The expedition was infelicitously delayed by a sudden storm."
"Her infelicitous joke silenced the room at the beginning of the interview."
Sometimes the most memorable part of a failure is not what happened, but how infelicitously it was announced.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of infelicitously
The word comes from the Latin infelicitous, meaning unfortunate or unpropitious, formed from infelix, “unlucky” or “unhappy,” with the related root felix meaning “happy” or “fortunate.” It entered English in the 17th century in the sense of unlucky or inauspicious, and later extended to describe remarks or actions that are inappropriate or ill-timed. The related English words felicity and felicitous preserve the same Latin contrast between happiness and misfortune.
Related word forms
How infelicitously is actually used
Formally worded and somewhat literary. It is especially common in descriptions of badly timed announcements, remarks, decisions, or circumstances, where it suggests both bad luck and poor judgment.
Easily confused with infelicitously
Felicitously means in a fortunate, successful, or well-chosen manner, whereas infelicitously conveys misfortune, poor judgment, or an ill-timed action.