unfortunately

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   by bad luck

   unfortunately it rained all day

2. 2
   adv

   Happening through bad luck, or because of some unfortunate event.

   He unfortunately placed his hand on a loose brick.

3. 3
   adv

   Used (as a parenthetical word, often a sentence adverb) to express disappointment, compassion, sorrow, regret, or grief.

   The houses which burned down could have been saved. Unfortunately, the fire truck had broken down on the way.

Etymology

From unfortunate + -ly or un- + fortunately.