Misfortune

/mɪsˈfɔːr.tʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun
An unfortunate condition or event; bad luck or adversity.
Her misfortune led her to seek help from friends and family.
An unfortunate incident or event that causes hardship or distress.
He encountered a misfortune when he lost his job unexpectedly.
The condition of being ill-fated or unlucky.
Living with misfortune can be challenging, but it often builds character.
A state of misadventure or calamity.
The ship's misfortune during the storm was the subject of many tales.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old French 'mesfortune', from 'mes-' + 'fortune'

Common Phrases and Expressions

misfortunes of war
The negative consequences and losses that result from conflict.
turn of misfortune
A sudden change for the worse in one's circumstances.

Related Words

adversity
A difficult or unpleasant situation.
calamity
An event causing great and often sudden damage or distress.

Slang Meanings

Bad luck
He's always been a magnet for misfortune; it's just bad luck.
Tough break
Losing the game like that was a tough break for the team.