misfortune
Translation
bad luck, unfortunate event, adversity
Examples
He had the misfortune to lose his job.
He had the misfortune to lose his job.
She suffered a series of misfortunes last year.
She suffered a series of misfortunes last year.
Grammar Patterns
((uncountable)) bad luck He had the misfortune to lose his job.
((countable)) an unfortunate event or piece of bad luck She suffered a series of misfortunes last year.
Similar Words
Synonyms: adversity, hardship, bad luck; Antonyms: good fortune, luck
Etymology
From the prefix 'mis-' (bad) and 'fortune' (luck). Literally 'bad luck'.
Memory Tips
Think of it as 'missing your fortune'. You had a chance for good luck, but you missed it.