The spelling of the word "unfortunately" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The first syllable is "ʌn" which is pronounced /ʌn/, followed by "fɔrt", which is pronounced /fɔrt/. The next syllable is "jʊn" which is pronounced /jʊn/. The final syllable is "ətli", which is pronounced /ətli/. The word has five syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable, making the pronunciation /ʌnˈfɔrtʃənətli/. Unfortunately is often used to express disappointment or sympathy when something unfortunate happens.
Unfortunately is an adverb that conveys a sense of disappointment or regret. It is used to express an unfortunate or unfavorable event, outcome, or circumstance. The word can be broken down into two parts: "un-" which means "not" or "lack of," and "fortunately" meaning "in a fortunate or lucky manner."
When something is described as "unfortunately," it signifies that it did not happen in a positive or desirable way. It suggests that there is a sense of sadness, disappointment, or ill fortune associated with the situation or event being discussed.
The term typically implies that the outcome or result is unfavorable or disagreeable. It is often used to express sympathy or commiseration, as it acknowledges an undesired outcome that may have been beyond the control or expectations of the individuals involved.
For example, one might say, "Unfortunately, the concert was cancelled due to bad weather." This indicates that the cancellation of the concert is an unfortunate circumstance or an outcome that is regrettable. It recognizes that individuals who were looking forward to attending the concert will be disappointed.
In summary, "unfortunately" is an adverb used to express disappointment or regret regarding an unfortunate or negative event, outcome, or circumstance. It conveys a sense of sympathy or commiseration with those affected by the situation being described.
Without success; unhappily.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "unfortunately" originates from the combination of two Latin words: "un-", which means "not", and "fortunatus", the past participle of "fortunare", meaning "to make fortunate" or "to prosper". The word was eventually anglicized in the 17th century to become "unfortunate", and the adverb form, "unfortunately", emerged later.