B2nounformalemotionssociety
US/mɪsˈfɔːr.tʃən/
UK/mɪsˈfɔː.tʃuːn/
bad luck, or an unlucky event that causes trouble or suffering
In context
He had the misfortune to lose his wallet on the first day of the trip.
Other people's misfortune should never be a source of amusement.
After a series of misfortunes, the family had to sell their farm.
Words that go with misfortune
verb + noun
- suffer misfortuneThe village suffered misfortune after the floods.
- bring misfortuneSome people think a black cat brings misfortune.
verb + preposition
- have the misfortune toShe had the misfortune to meet him on a bad day.
noun + preposition
- series of misfortunesThe company endured a series of misfortunes.
- a stroke of misfortuneA stroke of misfortune ruined their plans.
adjective + noun
- personal misfortuneHe turned personal misfortune into a successful book.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I had misfortune to fail.Correct: I had the misfortune to fail.