How to Pronounce Unfortunately

To pronounce "unfortunately", say unf-ORT-un-at-ely — 5 syllables, IPA /ənˈfɔɹtʃənətɫi/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

unfortunately

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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5

Syllables

13

Letters

/ənˈfɔɹtʃənətɫi/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/ʌnfˈɔːtʃənətli/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “unfortunately”

Break "unfortunately" into 5 beats and lean on "ORT" — that's the stressed one. It rhymes with fortunately, if that helps it stick.

What does unfortunately mean?

adverb

  1. Happening through bad luck, or because of some unfortunate event.
  2. Used (as a parenthetical word) to express disappointment, compassion, sorrow, regret or grief.

Synonyms

alasregrettablysad to saysadlyunluckily

Antonyms

fortunatelyluckily

Hear “unfortunately” 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 unfortunately

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

fortunately

Related words

unluckilyregrettablyalasunfortunateunhappilydisgracefullydisappointinglyhopelessly

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "unfortunately"?▾

"Unfortunately" has 5 syllables: unf · ort · un · at · ely.

What is the IPA transcription of "unfortunately"?▾

The IPA transcription of "unfortunately" is /ənˈfɔɹtʃənətɫi/.

What does "unfortunately" mean?▾

Unfortunately: Happening through bad luck, or because of some unfortunate event.

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