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
I had the misfortune of being chosen to go first.
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
Her injury was a great misfortune.
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
Azzi Fudd looks to rebound All-American Azzi Fudd struggled in UConn’s blowout win over UNC, and had a quiet first half versus the Fighting Irish with only four points and more turnovers (4) than assists (3), but despite her misfortune the Huskies still led at halftime.
—
Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 2026
His misfortune derailed last season.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2026
In two of those, the Bruins had the misfortune of running into a wall — eventual champions South Carolina in 2022 and LSU in 2023.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 26 Mar. 2026
The Borrego also had the misfortune to debut during the 2008 financial crisis — a terrible time to try to win a foothold for a larger, more expensive vehicle.
—Keith Laing, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misfortune
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Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 2026
His misfortune derailed last season.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2026
In two of those, the Bruins had the misfortune of running into a wall — eventual champions South Carolina in 2022 and LSU in 2023.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 26 Mar. 2026
The Borrego also had the misfortune to debut during the 2008 financial crisis — a terrible time to try to win a foothold for a larger, more expensive vehicle.
—Keith Laing, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misfortune
Cite this Entry
“Misfortune.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misfortune. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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