How to pronounce unfortunately
Say it like un-FOR-chuh-nut-lee. Unfortunately has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unfortunately. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- un
- FOR
- chuh
- nut
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unfortunately pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- FORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- chuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nutKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of unfortunately
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: un-FAW-chuh-nit-lee.
What does unfortunately mean?
- by bad luck“unfortunately it rained all day”“alas, I cannot stay”
Where does unfortunately come from?
From unfortunate + -ly or un- + fortunately.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying unfortunately
How do you pronounce unfortunately?
Say un-FOR-chuh-nut-lee. The American pronunciation is /ənˈfɔrtʃənətli/. In British English it is /ʌnˈfɔːtʃənɪtli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unfortunately?
Unfortunately has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FOR). Broken into parts: un · FOR · chuh · nut · lee.
Is unfortunately pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ʌnˈfɔːtʃənɪtli/ (un-FAW-chuh-nit-lee).