fortu-, fortun-

(Latin: chance, fate, luck)

misfortunate (adjective), more misfortunate, most misfortunate
Descriptive of something that is pitiable, very sad, and deserving of sympathy: Mark made a most misfortunate investment in the shipping company because when the shipping company lost so many ships during the hurricanes, the company was bankrupt.
misfortune (s) (noun), misfortunes (pl)
1. An unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from a bad event: It was a terrible misfortune when Brian's computer crashed just before he could save all of the contents he was working on.
2. A calamity; a mishap: Jason had the misfortune of having a flat tire just before he was about to set off on a cross-country trip.
unfortunate (adjective), more unfortunate, most unfortunate
1. Referring to a state of calamiy: Mr. Smee experienced the unfortunate plight of losing a lot of money at the racetrack at the beginning of the racing season.
2. Concerning something that accompanies or brings bad luck: Many people, including Dan's friend Jack, believe that certain dates on the calendar were unfortunate dates and one should not try to do any important activities.
3. Descriptive of something inappropriate in a given situation: It was an unfortunate gaffe when Lucy's little girl started to giggle in the middle of the formal ceremony.
unfortunately (adverb), more unfortunately, most unfortunately
1. Concerning how someone wishes something were not true: Unfortunately, Jim didn't get to the station in time to catch the train to work.
2. Regarding how something is inappropriate in a given situation: The plane unfortunately was not able to land safely during the severe storm.
Vitam regit fortuna non sapientia. (Latin proverb)
Translation: "Chance, not wisdom, governs human life."

Another interpretation: "Life is mostly a matter of luck."

A cross reference of other word family units that are related directly, or indirectly, to: "chance, luck, fate": aleato-; auspic-; cad-; -mancy; serendipity; sorc-; temer-; tycho-.