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Definition of fateful

fateful

/ˈfeɪt.fəl/
fate · ful
Adverb:fatefully
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fateful Lexical Profile

fateful Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having far-reaching and often disastrous consequences or implications; decisive.

Example

"The board's fateful decision to ignore the safety warnings eventually bankrupted the company."

2

Controlled by fate or predetermined; prophetic of doom or disaster.

Example

"Looking back on that fateful afternoon, she wondered if anything could have prevented the accident."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for fateful
Antonyms
View all antonyms for fateful

Word Nuance & Usage

Careful writers distinguish 'fateful' (having momentous or disastrous consequences) from 'fatal' (causing death or complete ruin), though 'fateful' often carries an ominous undertone.

• Rhymes for fateful

• Nearby Words

fatcat
fate
fated
fateful
fatefully
fathead
father

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 18th century from 'fate' (ultimately from Latin 'fatum', meaning 'that which has been spoken') combined with the suffix '-ful'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Fateful. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/fateful
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