UNFORTUNATELY

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does unfortunately mean? 

• UNFORTUNATELY (adverb)
  The adverb UNFORTUNATELY has 1 sense:

1. by bad luck

  Familiarity information: UNFORTUNATELY used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• UNFORTUNATELY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

By bad luck

Synonyms:

alas; regrettably; unfortunately; unluckily

Context example:

alas, I cannot stay

Antonym:

fortunately (by good fortune)

Pertainym:

unfortunate (not favored by fortune; marked or accompanied by or resulting in ill fortune)

 Context examples 

Unfortunately, the rate of asthma worldwide remains high.

(Fish-Rich Diet Beneficial for Children with Asthma, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)

“It does happen unfortunately,” said Mr. Wickfield.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

But, unfortunately—in short, if your compassion does not stand my friend—”

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

“No,” said Miss Tilney, sighing; “I was unfortunately from home. Her illness was sudden and short; and, before I arrived it was all over.”

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

Unfortunately, John didn't come, not seeing the matter in that light.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

It was unfortunately lost with so much else in the same boat accident which ruined my photographs.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Unfortunately, the protein is located in our liver and not available to process air pollution.

(Common Houseplant with Genetic Modification Can Remove Polluted Air, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to directly stimulate this nerve without anesthetics and surgery.

(Electroacupuncture Reduces Sepsis in Mice, NIH)

Unfortunately, madam, I had no possible alternative.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Unfortunately, he began on the "Secret Doctrine."

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)