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Definition of fortuitous

fortuitous

/fɔːrˈtuːɪtəs/
for · tu · i · tous
Adverb:fortuitously
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fortuitous Lexical Profile

fortuitous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Happening by a lucky chance; fortunate or advantageous.

Example

"From a financial standpoint, the timing of the property sale could not have been more fortuitous."

2

Happening by accident or chance rather than design.

Example

"The similarity between the two paintings appears to be entirely fortuitous."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for fortuitous
Antonyms
View all antonyms for fortuitous

Word Nuance & Usage

Traditionally, "fortuitous" strictly meant happening by chance or accident (whether good or bad), though in modern usage it frequently overlaps with "fortunate" to mean happening by a lucky chance.

• Rhymes for fortuitous

• Nearby Words

fortnightly
fortress
fortresslike
fortuitous
fortuitously
fortunate
fortunately

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Latin fortuitus ("happening by chance, casual, accidental"), derived from forte ("by chance"), the ablative singular of fors ("chance, luck").

Cite this Entry

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