fortuitous
for-TOO-ih-tuss
/fɔːrˈtuːɪtəs/
Happening by accident or chance rather than design; often (though not always) implying a lucky outcome.
While technically meaning 'by chance,' it is almost always used to mean 'lucky chance' in modern English.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'fortuitus,' which comes from 'fors' (chance/luck). It is the same root that gives us 'fortune.'
Word relationships
- accidental: Accidental is neutral; fortuitous usually sounds positive.
- intentional: Done on purpose.
Commonly confused with
- fortunate: Fortunate means lucky; fortuitous means by chance (though often lucky).
Word family
- fortuitously (adverb): by chance
- fortuity (noun): a chance occurrence
Collocations
- fortuitous timing
- fortuitous encounter
- fortuitous circumstance
Example sentences
- "The timing of the product launch proved fortuitous, as a major competitor went out of business the same week." Business success.
- "Their fortuitous meeting at the cafe led to a lifelong partnership." Historical meeting.
Memory hook
It sounds like 'fortune' + 'us'—fortune came to us by chance. Fortune by chance.
When not to use
Don't use if the event was planned or intentional.
Fun facts
- Strict grammarians argue that 'fortuitous' should only mean 'by chance' and not 'lucky,' but the 'lucky' meaning has won out in common usage.
Related words
Explore more words
fortune, bonanza, contingent, auspicious, occasional, run into
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