unfortunately

[ uhn-fawr-chuh-nit-lee ]

adverb

1. it is unfortunate that:

   Unfortunately, our flight was delayed for several hours.

2. in a way or to a degree that is unfortunate or unlucky:

   The project was unfortunately placed on hold until further notice.

3. in a way that is regrettable or unsuitable to the situation:

   Thank you for your comment, and I apologize for my unfortunately worded statement.

unfortunately

/ ʌnˈfɔːtʃənɪtlɪ /

adverb

1. sentence modifier it is regrettable that; unluckily

Word History and Origins

Origin of unfortunately¹

First recorded in 1540–50; unfortunate ( def ) + -ly ( def )

Example Sentences

“We are — I guess fortunately and unfortunately — the biggest player in the county,” said Stephen Watson, the executive director of the council.

From Los Angeles Times

Unfortunately, she said, “our surveillance efforts for trying to find outbreaks on farms, while getting better, are still not even close to what we need to know about these outbreaks.”

From Los Angeles Times

Unfortunately, Johnson and Evans have a dearth of screen chemistry.

From Los Angeles Times

“Unfortunately, we didn’t receive assistance from either,” Gonzalez said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Even if air defence works well, drone or missile debris falls on the city. It causes fires, damage and unfortunately sometimes victims,” he explained.

From BBC

Related Words

• sadly