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desgracia

des-GRAH-sya/desˈɣɾa.θja/

“desgracia” means “misfortune” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

misfortune, tragedy

Also: calamity
NounfA2
A colorful illustration showing a small person looking sad, holding a broken umbrella under a localized rain cloud, symbolizing bad luck or misfortune.

📝 In Action

Fue una desgracia que se perdieran todas las cosechas por la tormenta.

B1

It was a misfortune that all the crops were lost due to the storm.

La familia sufrió una gran desgracia cuando se quemó su casa.

A2

The family suffered a great tragedy when their house burned down.

¡Qué desgracia! Se me olvidaron las llaves dentro del coche.

A2

What bad luck! I forgot my keys inside the car.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • infortunio (misfortune)
  • desastre (disaster)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • una desgracia terrible – a terrible misfortune/disaster
  • caer en desgracia – to fall on hard times (literally: to fall into misfortune)

Idioms & Expressions

  • Por desgracia – Unfortunately

disgrace

Also: loss of favor, shame
NounfB2formal
An illustration depicting a solitary colorful figure standing alone with their head bowed in shame. Several simple, brightly colored figures in the distance are distinctly turning their backs away from the central figure, symbolizing disgrace and loss of reputation.

📝 In Action

El escándalo provocó la desgracia del político en la opinión pública.

C1

The scandal caused the politician's disgrace in the eyes of the public.

Después de ese error, el asistente cayó en desgracia ante el jefe.

B2

After that mistake, the assistant fell out of favor with the boss.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • deshonor (dishonor)
  • vergüenza (shame)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • cubrirse de desgracia – to cover oneself in shame

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "desgracia" in Spanish:

calamity→disgrace→misfortune→shame→tragedy→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: desgracia

Question 1 of 2

Which of these sentences uses 'desgracia' in the sense of 'shame or loss of reputation' (Meaning 2)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Formed by combining the negative prefix 'des-' (meaning 'un-' or 'lack of') with the noun 'gracia' (meaning 'grace' or 'favor'). Thus, it literally means 'lack of grace' or 'unfavor,' leading to the modern meanings of misfortune and disgrace.

First recorded: Medieval Spanish (around the 13th century)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: desgraçaCatalan: desgràcia

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'desgracia' and 'mala suerte'?

'Mala suerte' is general bad luck, often for minor things (e.g., losing a game). 'Desgracia' refers to a serious, often tragic, event or disaster (e.g., an accident, a death, a major ruin). Use 'desgracia' for bigger problems.

Can 'desgracia' be used as an adjective?

No, 'desgracia' is a noun. However, its related word, 'desgraciado/a,' is a common adjective meaning 'unfortunate' or 'miserable.'