English Reference

Word

unfortunately

Phoneticsun·for·tu·nate·ly, stress on the second syllable

US/ənˈfɔɹtʃənətɫi/

UK/ʌnfˈɔːtʃənətli/

Sentence adverb

Definition

adv. used to show that you are sorry or disappointed about something that has happened.

adv. used as a sentence adverb to convey regret, disappointment, or sorrow regarding a situation.

Examples

“Unfortunately, the shop is closed today.”

“I wanted to join you for dinner, but unfortunately, I have to work late tonight.”

“The team played exceptionally well throughout the first half; unfortunately, a series of defensive errors in the final minutes cost them the championship title.”

Examples

simple

“Unfortunately, the shop is closed today.”

contextual

“I wanted to join you for dinner, but unfortunately, I have to work late tonight.”

complex

“The team played exceptionally well throughout the first half; unfortunately, a series of defensive errors in the final minutes cost them the championship title.”

Usage

Usually placed at the beginning of a sentence followed by a comma, or used to introduce a negative clause.

Etymology

From unfortunate + -ly or un- + fortunately.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Synonyms

sadlyunluckilyregrettably

Antonyms

fortunatelyluckily

Word family

ADJECTIVE

ADVERB

unfortunately(A2)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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English Reference