UNFORTUNATELY Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

unfortunately

adverb

Definition of unfortunately

as in sadly

by bad fortune or luck Unfortunately, you've just missed her.

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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 unfortunately So, there's unfortunately been some really good dudes come out of Oklahoma. — Ryan Morik Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026 But unfortunately there was no discussion of that during the debate. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 Her season was unfortunately short-lived, as Bills and Nader were eliminated during the second premiere episode, where only the female celebrities performed. — Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026 The handle will break away and fall to the ground and, unfortunately, both the vehicle and the charging handle will sustain some damage in the process, which underscores why this feature should only be used in an emergency. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfortunately

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfortunately

Adverb

Give me Miller Park (American Family Field nowadays, sadly) in the World Series all day long.

— Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Sure, there will likely be, sadly but understandably, no new Gaga album or tour in the immediate future—but that doesn’t mean her personal style is going anywhere.

— Christian Allaire, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of sadly

Adverb

The Locke works are placed directly above and below a small Albers; inches away from each are examples of minerals, in their own display cases, which, jutting out from the wall, distract lamentably from the canvases.

— Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 8 June 2026
Our attorney general’s hyperbolic statements, lamentably, do little to help on that front.

— Letters to the Editor, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026

Definition of lamentably

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unfortunate

unfortunately

unfounded

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

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Synonyms of unfortunately

adverb

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