misfortune

/mɪsˈfɔːrtʃuːn/

bad luck or unfortunate circumstances

After years of hard work, misfortune struck when his business collapsed.

This example shows how misfortune can disrupt success unexpectedly.

general

An instance of bad luck or an unfortunate event.

The family faced misfortune when their home was destroyed by a storm.

This shows misfortune as a sudden, devastating event.

Despite his talent, misfortune followed him throughout his career.

This illustrates misfortune as a recurring pattern of bad luck.

Often used to describe events beyond one's control.

Collocations

bad misfortuneextremely unfortunate circumstancesstroke of misfortunea sudden, unexpected piece of bad luck

Taking risks can lead to success.

To be experiencing bad luck or hardship.

Misfortune is often used in formal or literary contexts, while 'bad luck' is more casual.

Misfortune is stronger than 'bad luck,' so use it for significant events, not minor inconveniences.

From Middle English 'mesfortune,' from Old French 'mesaventure,' meaning 'bad adventure,' from 'mes-' (bad) + 'aventure' (adventure).

Often used in formal or literary contexts to describe unfortunate events or circumstances.

mis-

bad or wrong

prefix

-fortune

luck or chance

root

English Dictionary