MISFORTUNE Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'misfortune' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of misfortune are adversity , mischance , and mishap . While all these words mean "adverse fortune or an instance of this," misfortune may apply to either the incident or conjunction of events that is the cause of an unhappy change of fortune or to the ensuing state of distress. // never lost hope even in the depths of misfortune

Q: When might 'adversity' be a better fit than 'misfortune'?

The words adversity and misfortune are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune. // had never experienced great adversity

Q: When could 'mischance' be used to replace 'misfortune'?

Although the words mischance and misfortune have much in common, mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance. // took the wrong road by mischance

Q: When can 'mishap' be used instead of 'misfortune'?

While the synonyms mishap and misfortune are close in meaning, mishap applies to an often trivial instance of bad luck. // the usual mishaps of a family vacation

misfortune

noun

ˌmis-ˈfȯr-chən

Definition of misfortune

as in tragedy

bad luck or an example of this through sheer misfortune our car got a flat tire and we were late for the ceremony our misfortunes of the last year included the loss of a beloved pet

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How does the noun misfortune differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of misfortune are adversity, mischance, and mishap. While all these words mean "adverse fortune or an instance of this," misfortune may apply to either the incident or conjunction of events that is the cause of an unhappy change of fortune or to the ensuing state of distress.

never lost hope even in the depths of misfortune

When might adversity be a better fit than misfortune?

The words adversity and misfortune are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune.

had never experienced great adversity

When could mischance be used to replace misfortune?

Although the words mischance and misfortune have much in common, mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance.

took the wrong road by mischance

When can mishap be used instead of misfortune?

While the synonyms mishap and misfortune are close in meaning, mishap applies to an often trivial instance of bad luck.

the usual mishaps of a family vacation

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of misfortune Serendipity in the form of misfortune is shining on the Democratic Party’s electoral prospects. — Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026 Unsurprisingly, many farmers blame rainmakers for their misfortune. — Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026 Some post screenshots of their trades, bragging about their bets on Sorsby’s misfortune. — Dan Horn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Sep. 2026 Antonelli still had to be there to cash in from Norris’s misfortune. — Luke Smith, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for misfortune

Recent Examples of Synonyms for misfortune

Noun

There’s a slickness to the carnage that rubs uncomfortably against the film’s humanist ethos, rendering artificial (for all Shen Teng’s trembling and mouth-contorting labors) the horrific tragedies that befall its characters.

— Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
After Monday’s tragedy prompted Six Flags Over Georgia to evacuate guests, a spokesperson said the amusement park will reopen Friday.

— Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of tragedy

Noun

But they were seen as adding undue hardships to people who rely heavily on the care.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026
In doing so, the report adds new data to a growing pile of information about poverty and economic hardship in the state, showing that even before some of the upcoming federal benefit cuts take effect, a growing number of households are struggling.

— P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of hardship

Noun

Waiting for the Jets are the defending AFC champion Patriots and a stadium that has delivered far more misery than milestones.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026
With Dunham as creator, showrunner and star, the original series followed a group of friends through the misery and dysfunction of their 20s in New York City.

— Selome Hailu, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of misery

Browse Nearby Words

misfits

misfortune

misfortunes

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“Misfortune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misfortune. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of misfortune

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