What does unfortunateness mean?
Unfortunateness is an uncommon noun meaning the state of being unfortunate, particularly because of bad luck. It names an adverse condition rather than an unfortunate person, object, or event. Although the word can suggest the general quality of being unlucky, it is often used for a conspicuous instance of misfortune, as in referring to a journey beset by delays or a series of unexpected setbacks. Its tone is more formal and literary than that of ordinary expressions such as “bad luck” or “misfortune.” The noun belongs to the family of the familiar adjective “unfortunate” and can therefore sound like an extended version of that word. Its relative rarity makes it most appropriate in literary, historical, or deliberately elevated prose rather than routine conversation. In general use, choosing the shorter and more idiomatic noun will usually communicate the same idea with greater clarity.
nounThe state or quality of being unfortunate, especially as a result of bad luck; misfortune or unluckiness.
- The state or quality of being unfortunate, especially as a result of bad luck.
"The unfortunateness of losing the only available ticket could not dampen their excitement about the journey."
"No amount of planning could protect them from the unfortunateness of encountering a closed road at the last minute."
"She described the cancellation as an example of the unfortunateness that had characterized the entire tour."
The plural is grammatically regular but exceptionally rare; the noun is normally treated as an abstract or mass noun.
"The novel explores the unfortunatenesses that followed the family’s sudden move."
With its two consecutive “un” and “fortune,” the word manages to sound exactly as burdensome as its meaning: being deeply unlucky.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unfortunateness come from?
The word was formed in English by adding the suffix “-ness” to “unfortunate,” which already contains the negative prefix “un-.” “Unfortunate” ultimately relates to Latin “infortunatus,” meaning unlucky or ill-fortuned, and to the same root represented in “fortune,” “fortunate,” and “fortuitous.” The suffix “-ness” converts an adjective into a noun naming a state or quality.
Related word forms
How unfortunateness is actually used
The word is uncommon and has a formal or literary tone. In everyday English, “bad luck” or “misfortune” will usually sound more natural.