as in tragedies
bad luck or an example of this
through sheer misfortune our car got a flat tire and we were late for the ceremony our misfortunes of the last year included the loss of a beloved pet
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Recent Examples of misfortunes
Once these people are already profiting off their own peccadillos and escalating misfortunes, why shouldn’t HBO?
—
Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Some of these myths include a home facing south will bring financial and health problems and misfortunes to the occupants—however, many Vastu sources also say a south-facing home can be auspicious if done right.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026
Embodying a character as evil as Stephen has made the far more relaxed White—whose real-life mother, Katey Sagal, plays his character’s troubled mother on the series—relish the character’s small misfortunes.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 20 Jan. 2026
What traits, decisions, or misfortunes exceed a person’s jurisdiction?
—Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026
Adamolekun took the helm of Red Lobster in August 2024 after a series of misfortunes at the once-failing casual-dining chain.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025
Mistakes, misfortunes, even tragedy, toxic secrets from the past—anything can happen, or may have happened.
—Literary Hub, 24 Oct. 2025
According to local belief, sending a lantern upward helps cleanse a person’s spirit and eases their misfortunes, clearing the path for good luck in the coming year.
—Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 20 Oct. 2025
Amid the Mets' misfortunes, Michael Kay, a radio host and play-by-play announcer for the New York Yankees, decided to weigh in.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025
Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Some of these myths include a home facing south will bring financial and health problems and misfortunes to the occupants—however, many Vastu sources also say a south-facing home can be auspicious if done right.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026
Embodying a character as evil as Stephen has made the far more relaxed White—whose real-life mother, Katey Sagal, plays his character’s troubled mother on the series—relish the character’s small misfortunes.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 20 Jan. 2026
What traits, decisions, or misfortunes exceed a person’s jurisdiction?
—Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026
Adamolekun took the helm of Red Lobster in August 2024 after a series of misfortunes at the once-failing casual-dining chain.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025
Mistakes, misfortunes, even tragedy, toxic secrets from the past—anything can happen, or may have happened.
—Literary Hub, 24 Oct. 2025
According to local belief, sending a lantern upward helps cleanse a person’s spirit and eases their misfortunes, clearing the path for good luck in the coming year.
—Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 20 Oct. 2025
Amid the Mets' misfortunes, Michael Kay, a radio host and play-by-play announcer for the New York Yankees, decided to weigh in.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misfortunes
Noun
-
Ensuring safe separation between aircraft is vital to preventing tragedies like the collision over the Potomac River, and reports of serious safety concerns from airline pilots paint a troubling picture of safety over Burbank in particular.—
Marc Scribner,
Oc Register,
8 Feb. 2026
-
After many tragedies, the UK’s National Health Service is doing precisely the opposite.—
Betsy McCaughey,
Boston Herald,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The hardships sparked mass emigration and economic collapse, leaving an even deeper mark — one that still surfaces in quiet dinners with strangers like us.—
Marlise Kast-Myers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Feb. 2026
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The hardships awaiting these Palestinians in a devastated homeland may outweigh the trials of their journey.—
Oren Liebermann,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Projects such as Link at Boca will help but cannot solve Tri-Rail’s financial troubles.—
Abigail Hasebroock,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Feb. 2026
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Kamilla’s earache and hearing troubles have been among their biggest concerns.—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Both mishaps were unfortunate events as medals have been hard to come by through the early days of the Winter Olympics.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Below, 15 celebrities who've spoken about some bathroom mishaps.—
People Staff,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Kathryn Hahn and Derrick Henry on a trolley The misadventures of actress Kathryn Hahn and Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry on a trolley car.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Feb. 2026
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For the remainder of the final season, Penny Marshall was paired with rotating guest stars for a series of comedic misadventures.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Misfortunes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misfortunes. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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