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Misfortune - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Misfortune refers to bad luck or an unfortunate event that causes hardship or distress. It often implies unexpected adversity, such as accidents, failures, or personal setbacks.

misfortune

/ˌmɪsˈfɔrtʃən/ /ˌmɪsˈfɔːtʃuːn/

Definition:

Bad luck or an unfortunate event causing distress or hardship.

Synonyms:

adversity, mishap, setback, calamity, hardship

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

fortune, luck, success

Common Collocations:

suffer misfortune, stroke of misfortune, series of misfortunes, bring misfortune, overcome misfortune

Derivatives:

misfortunate (adj.), misfortunately (adv.)

Usage Tips:

Use "misfortune" to describe bad luck or unlucky events; avoid for minor inconveniences.

Common Phrases:

a stroke of misfortune, ill-fortune, tempt fate and invite misfortune

Etymology:

From Old French "mesfortune," combining "mis-" (bad) and "fortune" (luck).

Examples:

  • 1. She faced great misfortune when she lost her job unexpectedly.
  • 2. His illness was a terrible misfortune for the whole family.
  • 3. Despite her misfortunes, she remained hopeful and determined.
  • 4. The accident was just another misfortune in his difficult year.

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