ill-fated

UK: /ˌɪl ˈfeɪtɪd/ | US: /ˌɪl ˈfeɪtɪd/

Definition

  1. adj. doomed to misfortune or failure

  2. adj. marked by or resulting in bad luck

Structure
ill <bad>fate <destiny>ed <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word combines "ill" (Old English yll, meaning "bad") and "fate" (Latin fatum, "destiny"), with the suffix "-ed" forming an adjective. It literally means "having a bad destiny," reflecting a narrative of inevitable misfortune. The term emerged in the 16th century, often used in literature to describe tragic outcomes.

Examples

  1. The ill-fated expedition ended in disaster.

  2. Their ill-fated love story became a local legend.

  3. The ship was ill-fated from the moment it left port.

  4. His ill-fated decision led to financial ruin.

  5. Critics called the project ill-fated due to poor planning.