misfortune

noun

mis·​for·​tune ˌmis-ˈfȯr-chən 

1

a

: an event or conjunction of events that causes an unfortunate or distressing result : bad luck

by misfortune he fell into bad company

had the misfortune to break his leg

b

: an unhappy situation

always ready to help people in misfortune

2

: a distressing or unfortunate incident or event

misfortunes never come singly

Synonyms

• adversity
• ill
• knock
• misadventure
• mischance
• mishap
• tragedy

Choose the Right Synonym for misfortune

misfortune, mischance, adversity, mishap 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

mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance.

took the wrong road by mischance

adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune.

had never experienced great adversity

mishap applies to an often trivial instance of bad luck.

the usual mishaps of a family vacation

Examples of misfortune in a Sentence

a victim of economic misfortune

She endured her misfortune without complaint.

It was my misfortune to be chosen first.

Her injury was a great misfortune.

He blamed the party's misfortunes on poor leadership.

Recent Examples on the Web

In 1885, having joined the American Association – then a major league alongside the National League – the Grays took advantage of the misfortune of the Cleveland Blues, acquiring their manager and a number of their players as the franchise disbanded. —Jamie Barton, CNN, 24 Oct. 2024

The power of belief can shape our experiences, and in modern-day witchcraft, the energy and intention behind a curse can manifest misfortune if someone allows that negative energy to take root in their mind or life. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Oct. 2024

Of course, time may be running out for our fortune teller—and for every witch who had the misfortune of joining Agatha’s quest. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024

Two strangers — a Palestinian and an Israeli — tell the story of a region’s pain: This moment in the Israel-Hamas war can be glimpsed in the fate of two fathers, strangers who share misfortunes brought on by larger powers and are now left to find their way. —Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

misfortune

noun

mis·​for·​tune (ˈ)mis-ˈfȯr-chən 

1

: bad luck especially for a long period of time

2

: an unfortunate condition or event : disaster