infelicitous
UK: /ˌɪnfɪˈlɪsɪtəs/ | US: /ˌɪnfɪˈlɪsɪtəs/
adj. not appropriate or well-suited; unfortunate in expression or timing
adj. marked by unhappiness or misfortune
infelicitous = in<not> + felicit<happy/fortunate> + ous<adjective suffix>
- in-: A Latin prefix meaning "not" or "opposite of."
- felicit-: Derived from Latin felix (happy, fortunate), retaining the core meaning of luck or appropriateness.
- -ous: A suffix forming adjectives, indicating possession or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word infelicitous traces back to Latin infelix (unhappy), combining in- (not) + felix (happy). Over time, felix evolved into felicity in English, meaning happiness or aptness, while infelicitous emerged to describe something ill-timed or unsuitable. The logical progression reflects a shift from literal unhappiness to broader contextual inappropriateness.
His infelicitous remark ruined the celebratory mood.
The timing of the announcement was infelicitous, given the recent crisis.
She regretted her infelicitous choice of words during the debate.
The comedian’s infelicitous joke offended the audience.
An infelicitous decision led to unintended consequences.