infelicity

noun
UK: /ˌɪnfɪˈlɪsɪti/
US: /ˌɪnfəˈlɪsəti/

  1. Something that is unsuitable or inappropriate in a particular situation.

    1. The small talk at the funeral felt like an infelicity.
    2. There was an infelicity in his choice of words, considering the sensitivity of the issue.

  2. An impolite or awkward expression or remark.

    1. I noticed an infelicity in his speech.
    2. The remark was an infelicity, born of ignorance rather than malice, but it was still hurtful.

  3. The quality of being unfortunate or unhappy.

    1. She spoke of the infelicity of her youth with sadness.
    2. The play explores themes of loss and infelicity, reflecting the human condition.

Synonyms

misfortune indelicacy impropriety

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "infelicity" in English means: Something that is unsuitable or inappropriate in a particular situation., An impolite or awkward expression or remark., The quality of being unfortunate or unhappy..

The phonetic transcription of "infelicity" is /ˌɪnfɪˈlɪsɪti/ in British English and /ˌɪnfəˈlɪsəti/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "infelicity": misfortune, indelicacy, impropriety.

Example usage of "infelicity": "The small talk at the funeral felt like an infelicity.". More examples on the page.