MISFORTUNE Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'misfortune' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of misfortune are adversity , mischance , and mishap . While all these words mean "adverse fortune or an instance of this," misfortune may apply to either the incident or conjunction of events that is the cause of an unhappy change of fortune or to the ensuing state of distress. // never lost hope even in the depths of misfortune

Q: When might 'adversity' be a better fit than 'misfortune'?

The words adversity and misfortune are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune. // had never experienced great adversity

Q: When could 'mischance' be used to replace 'misfortune'?

Although the words mischance and misfortune have much in common, mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance. // took the wrong road by mischance

Q: When can 'mishap' be used instead of 'misfortune'?

While the synonyms mishap and misfortune are close in meaning, mishap applies to an often trivial instance of bad luck. // the usual mishaps of a family vacation

misfortune

noun

ˌmis-ˈfȯr-chən

Definition of misfortune

as in tragedy

bad luck or an example of this through sheer misfortune our car got a flat tire and we were late for the ceremony our misfortunes of the last year included the loss of a beloved pet

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How does the noun misfortune differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of misfortune are adversity, mischance, and mishap. While all these words mean "adverse fortune or an instance of this," misfortune may apply to either the incident or conjunction of events that is the cause of an unhappy change of fortune or to the ensuing state of distress.

never lost hope even in the depths of misfortune

When might adversity be a better fit than misfortune?

The words adversity and misfortune are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune.

had never experienced great adversity

When could mischance be used to replace misfortune?

Although the words mischance and misfortune have much in common, mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance.

took the wrong road by mischance

When can mishap be used instead of misfortune?

While the synonyms mishap and misfortune are close in meaning, mishap applies to an often trivial instance of bad luck.

the usual mishaps of a family vacation

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of misfortune In this family, Shigejiro seemed to be cloaked in a waterproof tarpaulin that repelled the currents of misfortune. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 Or more specifically, had the misfortune of living in Patrick Mahomes’ AFC. — Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Deer-Proof Your Garden To keep your flowers from being gobbled up by deer—one of the most heartbreaking of all garden misfortunes—choose flowers that people find glorious and deer find disgusting. — Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 13 July 2026 This is the idea — which is debated online — that men who date women from the Kardashian/Jenner family often face personal or professional misfortune. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for misfortune

Recent Examples of Synonyms for misfortune

Noun

But the scale of the tragedy is becoming clear, with social media filled with countless pleas for help – including from the Nepali diaspora overseas.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Quite the tragedy because my brows are such a prominent part of my face.

— Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of tragedy

Noun

Ask yourself if waiting would cause a practical problem (like not having transportation) or additional financial hardship (like high-interest credit card debt).

— Dan Avery, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Other exemptions are offered to students who are 21 or older, have a medical condition or disability that cannot be accommodated on campus, married or are a parent, face financial hardship, or are active-duty members of the armed forces or veterans.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of hardship

Noun

But Moores would express misery in recalling ballpark-construction hassles and MLB politics that frustrated his advocacy of small-market clubs and game-day affordability.

— Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
This summer’s misery has been driven less by scorching afternoons than by record-warm nights and Miami-level humidity, according to scientist Daniel Swain.

— Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of misery

Browse Nearby Words

misfits

misfortune

misfortunes

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“Misfortune.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misfortune. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of misfortune

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