English Reference
adverb

unfortunately

adv.
US /ənˈfɔɹtʃənətɫi/ UK /ʌnfˈɔːtʃənətli/ un·for·tu·nate·ly

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

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

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

    Simple

    I wanted to buy the shoes, but unfortunately they didn't have my size.

    In context

    Unfortunately, the committee was unable to reach a consensus before the funding deadline expired.

    Usage

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

    sadlyunluckilyregrettably

From unfortunate + -ly or un- + fortunately.

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

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated