unfortunately
Americanadverb
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it is unfortunate that.
Unfortunately, our flight was delayed for several hours.
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in a way or to a degree that is unfortunate or unlucky.
The project was unfortunately placed on hold until further notice.
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in a way that is regrettable or unsuitable to the situation.
Thank you for your comment, and I apologize for my unfortunately worded statement.
adverb
Etymology
Origin of unfortunately
First recorded in 1540–50; unfortunate ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Russia should have had -- though unfortunately it didn't work out -- a leader exactly like Nemtsov," he told AFP, declining to give his surname.
From Barron's
"So two of our grandparents are unfortunately no longer present, one works full time and the other one has her own health concerns," he added.
From BBC
“At some point, I have to step back so that he can learn and he can make his own decisions, and unfortunately, he’s learning the hard way. But I’m okay with it.”
From Los Angeles Times
"The pain from four years ago was so much that we wanted to give it another go. We gave ourselves a chance but unfortunately we've not got there again."
From BBC
"Finally, they are making their way back on shore where, unfortunately, a lot of them are already dead or dying as they approach the coastlines and get into rougher coastal waters."
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
