Synonyms for Unfortunate
Definition of unfortunate
adjective
- not favored by fortune; marked or accompanied by or resulting in ill fortune; "an unfortunate turn of events"; "an unfortunate decision"; "unfortunate investments"; "an unfortunate night for all concerned"
- not auspicious; boding ill
- unsuitable or regrettable; "an unfortunate choice of words"; "an unfortunate speech"
20 synonyms found
Writing tips for "unfortunate"
Choosing the right synonym depends on context, tone, and audience. Words like abject, black, calamitous can replace "unfortunate" depending on the shade of meaning you need. In poetry and songwriting, swapping synonyms lets you match a rhyme scheme or meter without changing your meaning. In prose, varying your word choice avoids repetition and keeps readers engaged.
With 20 alternatives available, "unfortunate" gives you flexibility across registers — from formal to casual, from literary to conversational. Try pairing these synonyms with our rhyme finder to discover words that both mean and sound like what you need.
"Unfortunate" in song lyrics
See how unfortunate is used in real songs:
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"Soft and thick, hard to miss unfortunate"
Akir f/ Abiodun, Amin Joseph — This is Your Life (Pt. 2) -
"good grief, hard time, how unfortunate"
The A-Team (Aceyalone & Abstract Rude) — Who Framed the A-Team? -
"Hoes in they' clothes and the less unfortunate"
Big Noyd f/ Prodigy — The Grimey Way