misfortune

[ mis-fawr-chuhn ]

noun

1. adverse fortune; bad luck.
2. an instance of this; mischance; mishap.

   Synonyms: blow, reverse, catastrophe, calamity, disaster, accident

misfortune

/ mɪsˈfɔːtʃən /

noun

1. evil fortune; bad luck
2. an unfortunate or disastrous event; calamity

Word History and Origins

Origin of misfortune¹

1400–50; late Middle English. See mis- ¹, fortune

Synonym Study

See affliction.

Example Sentences

“I think it’s fortune within misfortune,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

His said his mum taught him and his two brothers to "raise our expectations", "never to be victims" and not dwell on misfortunes.

From BBC

Up to that point, Buehler could be called a victim of misfortune.

From Los Angeles Times

Others blame the Buddhist belief in karma, putting misfortunes like car accidents down to bad luck rather than bad habits.

From BBC

He described the increase in poverty as "a consequence of the populism that has subjected Argentina to so many years of misfortune and devastation".

From BBC

Related Words

• adversity
• affliction
• bad luck
• calamity
• cataclysm
• catastrophe
• debacle
• disadvantage
• disappointment
• discomfort
• hardship
• inconvenience
• misadventure
• misery
• mishap
• setback
• tragedy
• tribulation