misfortunes

Misfortune refers to an unfortunate event or circumstance that causes hardship, loss, or unhappiness. The term combines mis-, meaning bad or badly, with fortune, meaning luck, fate, or circumstances. In common usage, misfortune denotes events that are unexpected and detrimental, rather than wrongdoing by the person affected. It can apply to single incidents or a pattern of adverse outcomes over time.

Misfortunes range from personal experiences—illness or injury, the death of a loved one, financial loss, unemployment—to broader situations such as housing disruption, crime, or natural hazards that affect families or communities. A large-scale misfortune may be described as a disaster, while misfortune often implies a more limited or individual impact.

Causes of misfortune include random chance, risk exposure, accidents, or systemic factors such as poverty or inequality. Cultural explanations vary: some traditions attribute misfortune to fate, karma, or divine will, while secular views emphasize probability and personal or collective responsibility.

Effects of misfortune can include psychological distress, economic strain, and social stigma, particularly when the event challenges a person's life plan. Coping strategies include practical preparation (insurance, emergency funds, safety measures), social support, seeking professional help, and reframing experiences to regain control.

In literature, misfortune is a common device used to test characters, drive plots, or illustrate themes of resilience and fate.