Misfortune

Misfortune refers to an event or condition that brings harm, distress, or hardship, often described as bad luck or adverse circumstances. It covers accidental events such as natural disasters, illness, or financial loss, as well as outcomes resulting from human actions. The term does not imply moral failing; misfortune can affect any person regardless of character and is often contrasted with fortune or luck.

The word misfortune combines the prefix mis- meaning badly with fortune meaning luck or fate, tracing its development in English to describe ill outcomes.

Misfortune can arise from chance, external events, or choices that propagate harm. It can be personal, such as illness or unemployment, or collective, such as economic downturns or disasters. Some misfortune is considered random, while other instances reflect systemic factors like inequality or risk exposure.

Societal responses to misfortune include empathy, support networks, or stigma. Coping strategies include social support, planning, and resilience. Philosophers examine misfortune in relation to suffering, moral luck, and responsibility.

Misfortune is a common narrative element in literature and media, driving plots of tragedy and character development. The portrayal of misfortune can reflect cultural values and attitudes toward adversity.

See also: adversity, bad luck, mischance, hardship, suffering, catastrophe, tragedy.