Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| desafortunadamente | /desafoɾtuˌnadaˈmente/ |
| desgraciadamente | /desɡɾaˌθjadaˈmente/ /desɡɾaˌsjadaˈmente/ |
| lamentablemente | /lamenˌtableˈmente/ |
| por desgracia | /poɾ desɡɾaθja/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /poɾ desɡɾasja/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
| infortunadamente | /infoɾtuˌnadaˈmente/ |
These terms are used to describe events that happen through bad luck.
What does it mean word for word?
The suffix -mente is used to turn adjectives into adverbs, equivalent to the English suffix '-ly'.
Which one should you use?
While desafortunadamente focuses on bad luck, lamentablemente focuses on the feeling of regret or sadness regarding a situation. The phrase por desgracia is a prepositional phrase that functions as an adverb, often sounding more natural in spoken Spanish than the long adverb desafortunadamente.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Desafortunadamente, lamentablemente and infortunadamente are formal options. However, infortunadamente is a highly formal and literary term that is rarely used in everyday conversation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Desafortunadamente is prevalent in Spain, while lamentablemente is more commonly used in Latin American countries.
How do you pronounce it?
/desafoɾtuˌnadaˈmente/
Did you know?
- The suffix -mente used in desafortunadamente comes from the Latin word mēns meaning 'mind'.
- While desgracia is used in por desgracia to mean 'bad luck', the word desgraciado can be used as a harsh insult to call someone 'wretched' or 'contemptible'.
- The word gracia has a double meaning: it can refer to divine grace or 'bad luck' in desgracia, but it is also the standard word for 'wit' or 'humor'.
Examples in context
- Por desgracia, murió joven.Unfortunately, he died young.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase por desgracia to describe a death.Tatoeba #3303157 by Shishir, translation #12371622 by Miktsoanit
- Por desgracia ya se ha marchado.Unfortunately he has already left.This sentence shows how to use por desgracia to describe someone leaving.Tatoeba #1813443 by Shishir, translation #1629145 by cruzedu73
- Desafortunadamente no es el caso.Unfortunately, that isn't the case.This sentence demonstrates the use of desafortunadamente to state that a situation is not the case.Tatoeba #5137843 by don_ramon, translation #5137606 by CK
- Desafortunadamente, no podré asistir a la reunión de mañana.Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend tomorrow's meeting.
- Lamentablemente, el vuelo ha sido cancelado debido a las malas condiciones climáticas.Unfortunately, the flight has been canceled due to poor weather conditions.
- Qué pena, no pudimos conseguir las entradas para el concierto.Unfortunately, we couldn't get the tickets for the concert.
- 128 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are talking about a concert they wanted to attend.
- DanielHola Lucía, ¿conseguiste las entradas para el concierto?Hi Lucía, did you get the tickets for the concert?
- LucíaDesafortunadamente, se agotaron todas hace una hora.Unfortunately, they all sold out an hour ago.
- DanielQué mal, yo tenía muchas ganas de ir.That's too bad, I really wanted to go.
- LucíaYo también, Daniel. Es una pena.Me too, Daniel. It's a shame.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unfortunately” translations and entries desafortunadamente, desgraciadamente, lamentablemente, por desgracia, infortunadamente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries desafortunadamente, desgracia, desgraciadamente, lamentablemente, por, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
