fortuitous

/fɔːˈtjuːɪtəs/adjective

Coming about by chance or accident rather than by plan.

Example sentences

“Our meeting at the airport was entirely fortuitous.”
“Their fortuitous discovery happened while they were looking for something else.”

Strictly it means 'by chance', not 'lucky', though the lucky sense now dominates. Careful writers use 'fortunate' for luck and keep this one for accident.

Synonyms for fortuitous

accidental
chance
unplanned
coincidental

Antonyms

planned
intentional
deliberate

Often confused with fortuitous

fortuitous vs fortunate: fortunate (adjective): Coming about through good luck; lucky.

Find it in: Advanced English words.

Related words

fortitudeThe strength of mind to face pain or hardship bravely.forsakeTo leave someone or something behind for good; to abandon or renounce.formidableSo large, strong, or impressive that it inspires respect, awe, or fear.forlornSad and lonely, especially because you have been left alone or abandoned.fraughtFull of something unpleasant, such as danger, problems, or risk.forefatherA relative from generations long past; an ancestor.