Fortuitous

Happening by chance and bringing a welcome result.

Reach for it when describing a welcome result that happened by chance

A fortuitous meeting led the two researchers to collaborate.

• everyday

  lucky

  casual speech should credit chance

  not when Lucky is too informal for careful analysis.

• warm

  fortunate

  good luck is the important quality

  not when A fortunate person or condition need not involve chance timing.

• professional

  chance

  neutral accident is all that evidence supports

  not when Chance does not say the outcome was welcome.

• formal

  opportune

  timing is especially useful

  not when Opportune timing can be planned rather than accidental.

• literary

  providential

  the event feels guided by benevolent purpose

  not when Providential introduces a religious interpretation.

• literary

  serendipitous

  an accidental discovery brings value

  not when Serendipitous implies discovery, not every lucky event.

• planned
• unfortunate
• ill-timed

• fortuitous meeting

  A fortuitous meeting began the collaboration.

• fortuitous discovery

  The survey made a fortuitous discovery.

• fortuitous timing

  Fortuitous timing kept the road open.