What does unfortunately mean?
Unfortunately is an adverb used to report or introduce an unwanted fact, development, or outcome, usually with regret or mild disappointment. It often appears at the beginning of a sentence: “Unfortunately, the train has been delayed.” It can also connect ideas within a sentence, as in “We arrived late, unfortunately.” The word is common in everyday conversation, formal announcements, reports, and messages conveying unwelcome information, including apologies and expressions of sympathy. It is related in meaning to sadly and regrettably, while unluckily is especially appropriate when chance or bad luck is involved. Although unfortunate is its corresponding adjective, unfortunately normally describes the situation or result rather than directly modifying a noun. The word is neutral rather than strongly formal or informal, and its tone can range from warmly sympathetic to briskly factual. Its usefulness lies in allowing a speaker to acknowledge disappointment while continuing with the relevant information.
adverbUnfortunately is an adverb meaning that a situation is unfortunate or that one regrets what has happened. It is commonly used to introduce unwelcome information or to explain why an expected or desired outcome did not occur.
- Used to introduce or report an unwanted fact, development, or outcome, especially with regret or mild disappointment.
"Unfortunately, the road was closed, so we had to find another way to the airport."
"Unfortunately, the application was rejected without an explanation."
"The weather was beautiful, but unfortunately we had already made other plans."
Unfortunately is English’s concise way of saying, “This is not the outcome we wanted.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unfortunately come from?
Unfortunately is formed from the adjective unfortunate with the adverbial suffix -ly. The base unfortunate combines the prefix un- with fortunate, while fortunate ultimately comes from Latin fortunatus, meaning “blessed by fortune,” and fortūna, meaning “chance, luck.” Related English words include fortuitous, fortune, and fortuity, all belonging to the same Latin family.
How unfortunately is actually used
The word is neutral in register and common in both formal and informal English. It can express genuine sympathy, but in business, public, or everyday announcements it may also function as a concise, somewhat formulaic way to deliver bad news.
Easily confused with unfortunately
Unfortunately is an adverb that modifies a statement or describes an unfortunate circumstance, while unfortunate is an adjective describing a person, event, or outcome.