by coincidence; unfortunately
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesadverb
by coincidence; as luck would have it; coincidentally
neutralUsed to describe an event that happens fortuitously or at just the right moment, often with a neutral or positive connotation of good timing.
We were looking for him, and as luck would have it, he arrived.
I wanted to surprise him, and coincidentally I ran into him in the elevator.
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I was just about to go out when, by chance, it started pouring rain.
adverb
unfortunately; to one's annoyance; against expectations
neutralExpresses that something happens contrary to what is hoped for or expected, often conveying a sense of frustration, annoyance, or irony. The event is considered unlucky or inconvenient.
I looked for him twice, but unfortunately he wasn't home either time.
Just when I urgently needed money, the bank system was unfortunately under maintenance.
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For today's important meeting, to my annoyance, my car broke down on the way.