adjective

fortuitous

/fɔːrˈtjuːɪtəs/ · say it: for·TOO·uh·tuhs

happening by chance, often luckily

In Sophisticated Everyday

In more detail

1. (adjective) happening by chance or luck, especially in a good or beneficial way

2. (adjective) occurring by accident rather than being planned or intended

Examples

1. The fortuitous meeting with an old friend led to a new business partnership.
2. It was fortuitous that we arrived early, because we missed the traffic jam that happened later.

How to use fortuitous

Fortuitous emphasizes something happening by chance, often with a positive or beneficial outcome, and carries a sense of luck or serendipity. Unlike 'accidental,' which can be neutral or negative, fortuitous typically implies fortunate timing or a lucky occurrence. It is more formal and literary than 'by chance' or 'by luck.'

Common phrases

fortuitous meeting
fortuitous discovery
fortuitous circumstance
fortuitous encounter
fortuitous timing

Synonyms

accidental · chance · serendipitous · unplanned · unintended

Opposites

planned · deliberate · intentional

Word family

fortuitously (adverb) · fortuity (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use fortuitous to mean simply fortunate or lucky without the element of chance; the word must describe something that happens by accident, not merely something that turns out well.

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