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Misfortunes: meaning, definitions and examples

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misfortunes

 

[mɪsˈfɔːtʃəns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in life

Unfortunate events or circumstances that bring suffering or distress to a person.

Synonyms

adversity, calamity, hardship, tragedy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
misfortunes

Generally describes a series of bad events that happen to someone, often used in everyday conversations.

  • She has faced many misfortunes in her life, but she remains hopeful
adversity

Refers to a difficult or unpleasant situation, can be used in both formal and informal settings. It often implies overcoming or coping with challenges.

  • Despite the adversity he faced, he never gave up on his dreams
hardship

Refers to difficult conditions or suffering, often related to financial or physical struggles. Commonly used in both everyday and formal contexts.

  • Many families faced severe hardship during the economic crisis
tragedy

Specifically describes a very sad or disastrous event, often leading to loss or suffering. It carries a strong emotional impact.

  • The sudden death of their child was a tragedy for the whole family
calamity

Describes a large-scale disaster or catastrophe, often used in more formal or dramatic contexts.

  • The earthquake was a calamity that affected thousands of people

Examples of usage

  • Despite all the misfortunes he faced, he never lost hope.
  • She had to endure a series of misfortunes before things finally started to improve.
Context #2 | Noun

financial

Financial losses or setbacks experienced by an individual or organization.

Synonyms

financial difficulties, losses, setbacks.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
misfortunes

General unlucky or unfortunate events that occur, often beyond one's control.

  • She has faced many misfortunes in her life, but she remains optimistic
  • Despite the misfortunes that befell him, he managed to keep pushing forward
losses

The experience of losing something valuable, such as money, possessions, or even intangible things like reputation.

  • The business suffered significant losses after the stock market crash
  • He is struggling to cope with the losses of his loved ones
setbacks

Challenges or hindrances that delay progress or achievement, but do not necessarily imply a permanent failure.

  • The project encountered several setbacks, but the team eventually completed it
  • She faced a minor setback in her career when she didn't get the promotion
financial difficulties

Specific issues related to money, such as lack of funds or inability to manage expenses.

  • The company has been experiencing financial difficulties due to the recent market downturn
  • Many families face financial difficulties during the holiday season

Examples of usage

  • The company was unable to recover from the misfortunes of the previous year.
  • He had to declare bankruptcy due to a string of misfortunes.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old French 'mesfortune', meaning bad luck.
  • It's composed of 'mis-' (meaning wrong) and 'fortune' (luck or chance).
  • The term has been used since the 14th century, reflecting human experiences with hardship.

Literature

  • Many classic stories, such as Shakespeare's tragedies, explore themes of misfortune, emphasizing how it shapes characters and destinies.
  • In Greek mythology, the concept of 'fate' is closely linked to misfortunes, where destiny often brings challenges to heroes.
  • Charles Dickens often depicted misfortunes in Victorian society, showcasing the struggles of the poor and the impact of fate on their lives.

Psychology

  • Experiencing a series of misfortunes can lead to a phenomenon called 'learned helplessness', where individuals feel powerless to change their situation.
  • Many people have a cognitive bias to remember negative experiences more vividly than positive ones, which can amplify the feeling of experiencing misfortunes.
  • Resilience is often built through facing and overcoming misfortunes, providing valuable life lessons about strength and determination.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In Eastern philosophies, such as Buddhism, misfortunes are seen as part of life's impermanence, encouraging acceptance and mindfulness.
  • Certain cultures have rituals or practices to counteract misfortunes, emphasizing hope and the importance of community support.
  • In many traditions, storytelling about past misfortunes serves as warnings or teachings for future generations.

Folklore and Superstitions

  • Many cultures have superstitions related to misfortunes, like breaking a mirror bringing seven years of bad luck.
  • In some folklore, specific animals are thought to predict misfortunes, such as owls or black cats crossing one's path.
  • Legends often portray misfortunes as curses or tests from gods or fate, leading to moral lessons or pivotal character transformations.

Translations

Translations of the word "misfortunes" in other languages:

🇵🇹 infortúnios

🇮🇳 दुर्भाग्य

🇩🇪 Unglücke

🇮🇩 kemalangan

🇺🇦 нещастя

🇵🇱 nieszczęścia

🇯🇵 不幸

🇫🇷 malheurs

🇪🇸 desgracias

🇹🇷 felaketler

🇰🇷 불운

🇸🇦 مصائب

🇨🇿 neštěstí

🇸🇰 nešťastia

🇨🇳 不幸

🇸🇮 nesreče

🇮🇸 óheppni

🇰🇿 сәтсіздіктер

🇬🇪 უბედურებები

🇦🇿 bədbəxtliklər

🇲🇽 desgracias

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,287, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.