Is fortuitous formal or informal?

What's the difference between fortuitous and lucky?

How is fortuitous different from lucky?

How do I use fortuitous in a sentence?

What is a common phrase with fortuitous?

Is fortuitous used in business or academic writing?

Is fortuitous common in academic writing?

← Dictionary

fortuitous

/fɔːˈtjuːɪtəs/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Happening by chance in a lucky or useful way; not planned.

We met by a fortuitous accident at the station.
His arrival was fortuitous and unexpected.
It was a fortuitous find.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: unlike mere 'lucky' or 'chance', fortuitous stresses an unplanned event that yields a good result. It is less casual than 'lucky' and suits formal or reflective writing. Choose it when you want to highlight the beneficial accidental nature rather than simple randomness.

In other languages

Spanish: Fortuito
Japanese: 偶然にめでたい
Korean: 우연히 행운인
Vietnamese: May rủi
Chinese: 偶然的, 幸运的

Etymology

Late Latin fortuitus ‘by chance’, from fortuna ‘luck’. The sense history explains why it often implies positive accidental outcomes.

Common phrases

purely fortuitousa fortuitous encounterfortuitous discovery

Synonyms

lucky fortunate serendipitous auspicious propitious

Frequently asked questions

Is fortuitous formal or informal?: Is fortuitous formal or informal?
What's the difference between fortuitous and lucky?: How is fortuitous different from lucky?
How do I use fortuitous in a sentence?: What is a common phrase with fortuitous?
Is fortuitous used in business or academic writing?: Is fortuitous common in academic writing?