1. the quality or state of being inappropriate or unsuitable
Usage: formal
2. an instance of something inappropriate or awkward, especially in speech or writing
Usage: formal
3. unhappiness or misfortune
Usage: formal; literary

Examples

• The infelicity of his remarks at the funeral was obvious to everyone.
• Her speech was marred by several verbal infelicities.
• The infelicity of the translation made the poem difficult to understand.
• He regretted the infelicity of his timing in bringing up the sensitive topic.
• The author’s stylistic infelicities detracted from an otherwise compelling story.
• The infelicity of their situation became clear when the storm hit.
• Critics pointed out the infelicity of comparing the two very different historical periods.