misfortune-n; 2 Senses

Sense Number 1: a specific adverse event, instance of bad luck

Commentary: MISFORTUNE[+event][+adverse]
NOTE: refers to specific instances of bad luck these can include humorous events, unlike Sense 2.

Examples:
Bob had the misfortune to break his leg right before his vacation.
By misfortune, the manuscript was lost en route to the publisher.
It's a comedy about the misfortunes of planning a big wedding. (a series of mishaps)

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: a chronic state of adversity, hard times

Commentary: MISFORTUNE[+state][+circumstance][+chronic][+adversity]
NOTE: implies ongoing serious, even tragic, adversity - more intense than what is implied by Sense 1

Examples:
She helped many people through their times of misfortune.
They never lost hope even in the depths of misfortune.
He couldn't see past the misfortune of his current circumstances.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2