misfortunes
|mis-for-tunes|
🇺🇸
/mɪsˈfɔrtʃənz/
🇬🇧
/mɪsˈfɔːtʃ(ə)nz/
(misfortune)
bad luck
Etymology
'misfortune' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'mesfortune', where the prefix 'mes-' meant 'bad' or 'wrong' and 'fortune' (from Latin 'fortuna') meant 'chance' or 'luck'.
'misfortune' changed from Old French word 'mesfortune' into Middle English 'misfortune' and eventually became the modern English word 'misfortune'.
Initially it meant 'bad luck' or 'ill-fortune', and over time it has largely retained that sense while also being used to refer to hardships or unfortunate events in general.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
unlucky events or specific incidents of bad luck; mishaps.
She has faced many misfortunes in her life, yet she remains hopeful.
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Noun 2
adverse conditions or prolonged hardship resulting from bad events or circumstances.
Economic misfortunes forced the family to sell their home.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/11/01 07:29