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misfortune

noun

/mɪsˈfɔr tʃən/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of misfortune

An event, circumstance, or situation that brings about adversity, hardship, or unfavorable outcomes.
"Despite his misfortunes, he remained resilient and determined to rebuild his life."

Detailed meaning of misfortune

It denotes a stroke of bad luck, an unfortunate occurrence, or a setback that brings distress, difficulty, or misalignment with one's desires or expectations. Misfortune can take various forms, such as financial loss, personal tragedy, health issues, or professional setbacks. It implies a sense of negative impact or mischance that disrupts or hinders one's well-being, plans, or goals. Misfortune is often beyond one's control and can occur randomly or unexpectedly. It can cause emotional distress, frustration, or a sense of helplessness. Coping with misfortune requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to overcome adversity. While misfortune can be difficult to bear, it can also provide an opportunity for growth, learning, and personal development. Overall, misfortune represents an unfortunate turn of events that brings hardship, challenges, or unfavorable circumstances into one's life.

Example sentences containing misfortune

1. He endured a series of misfortunes, from losing his job to facing a major illness.
2. The family's misfortune began with a house fire that resulted in the loss of their belongings.
3. The company's misfortune led to financial difficulties and ultimately its closure.
4. His misfortune seemed to follow him wherever he went, causing setbacks in every endeavor.
5. The young athlete's misfortune came in the form of a career-ending injury.
6. They supported each other through their misfortunes, finding strength in their shared experiences.

History and etymology of misfortune

The noun 'misfortune' has its roots in Middle English and Old French. It can be traced back to the Old French word 'mesfortune,' which was derived from the Latin phrase 'mala fortuna.' In this phrase, 'mala' means 'bad' or 'evil,' and 'fortuna' translates to 'luck' or 'fortune.' Therefore, 'misfortune' etymologically signifies a state of bad luck or an unfortunate turn of events, reflecting the adversity, hardship, or unfavorable outcomes associated with it.

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Further usage examples of misfortune

1. The sudden misfortune of a car accident left her physically injured and emotionally shaken.
2. The community rallied together to help those who had suffered misfortune due to a natural disaster.
3. The old man's tales of misfortune revealed a lifetime of struggles and setbacks.
4. She viewed her misfortune as an opportunity for personal growth and self-reflection.
5. Despite the misfortunes they faced, they found solace in each other's company.
6. Despite his best efforts, misfortune followed him wherever he went.
7. The misfortune of a failed business deal left her financially drained.
8. Misfortune struck when their car broke down in the middle of nowhere.
9. She faced one misfortune after another, but her spirit remained unbroken.
10. The misfortune of a sudden illness disrupted their vacation plans.
11. Misfortune often tests our resilience and strength in unexpected ways.
12. The misfortune of a rainy wedding day couldn't dampen their joy.
13. He considered his job loss a temporary misfortune, not a permanent setback.
14. Misfortune led them to discover a hidden talent for problem-solving.
15. The misfortune of a flat tire delayed their journey by several hours.
16. Despite their misfortune, they found solace in each other's company.
17. The misfortune of a broken phone left her feeling disconnected.
18. Misfortune can be a powerful motivator for personal growth.
19. Their misfortune in love only deepened their longing for happiness.
20. They believed that misfortune was merely an opportunity in disguise.
21. Misfortune has a way of revealing true friends and allies.
22. The misfortune of a missed flight nearly ruined their holiday plans.
23. Her misfortune in relationships made her wary of opening her heart.
24. Misfortune taught them to appreciate the value of hard-earned success.
25. The misfortune of a stolen wallet marred an otherwise perfect trip.