fortunate

adjective

for·​tu·​nate ˈfȯr-chə-nət 

ˈfȯrch-nət

1

: bringing some good thing not foreseen as certain : auspicious

made a fortunate investment

2

: receiving some unexpected good

How fortunate we are to get such a nice room!

fortunateness noun

Synonyms

• fluky
• flukey
• fortuitous
• happy
• heaven-sent
• lucky
• providential

Choose the Right Synonym for fortunate

lucky, fortunate, happy, providential mean meeting with unforeseen success.

lucky stresses the role of chance in bringing about a favorable result.

won because of a lucky bounce

fortunate suggests being rewarded beyond what one deserves.

fortunate in my investments

happy combines the implications of lucky and fortunate with stress on being blessed.

a series of happy accidents

providential more definitely implies the help or intervention of a higher power.

a providential change in the weather

Examples of fortunate in a Sentence

How fortunate we were to find that restaurant!

We should try to help others who are less fortunate than ourselves.

Recent Examples on the Web

Very few people are fortunate enough to start a residency program, making Dr. Hartford’s work in this role a unique feature of his career. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025

While many people in a progressive city like Orlando agree that government ought to do more to help the less fortunate, few seem to want the homeless nearby. —Michael Cuglietta, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2025

But with the Four Nations break, the injury comes at a fortunate time for the club sitting in third in the Metropolitan Division standings. —Peter Baugh, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025

When asked about potential water supply issues, Kelliher said that today’s crews are fortunate to have direct access to Castaic Lake and other nearby reservoirs for their firefighting efforts. —Amanda Musa, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fortunate

• consider oneself lucky/fortunate

Kids Definition

fortunate

adjective

for·​tu·​nate ˈfȯrch-(ə-)nət 

1

: coming or happening by good luck : bringing good that was not expected

2

: receiving some unexpected or unearned good : lucky

fortunateness noun