How to Pronounce Unfortunate

To pronounce "unfortunate", say UNF-ort-un-at-e — 5 syllables, IPA /ʌnˈfɔːtjʊnət/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

unfortunate

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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5

Syllables

11

Letters

/ʌnˈfɔːtjʊnət/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “unfortunate”

"unfortunate" has 5 syllables: unf-ort-un-at-e. It rhymes with fortunate and orchanet, if that helps it stick.

What does unfortunate mean?

noun

  1. An unlucky person; one who has fallen into bad circumstances.

adjective

  1. Not favored by fortune
  2. Marked or accompanied by or resulting in misfortune

Synonyms

unluckyunsuccessful

Antonyms

fortunatelucky

Hear “unfortunate” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with unfortunate

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

fortunateorchanet

Related words

ill-fatedunluckyill-starredhaplessill-omenedinauspiciousmisfortunateinfelicitous

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "unfortunate"?▾

"Unfortunate" has 5 syllables: unf · ort · un · at · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "unfortunate"?▾

The IPA transcription of "unfortunate" is /ʌnˈfɔːtjʊnət/.

What does "unfortunate" mean?▾

Unfortunate: An unlucky person; one who has fallen into bad circumstances.

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