fortuitous Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite having no cause or apparent cause
    causeless; uncaused.
    • a causeless miracle
    • fortuitous encounters--strange accidents of fortune
    • we cannot regard artistic invention as...uncaused and unrelated to the times
  2. adjective satellite occurring by happy chance
    • profits were enhanced by a fortuitous drop in the cost of raw materials

WordNet

For*tu"i*tous adjective
Etymology
L. fortuitus; akin to forte, adv., by chance, prop. abl. of fors, fortis, chance. See Fortune.
Definitions
  1. Happening by chance; coming or occuring unexpectedly, or without any known cause; chance; as, the fortuitous concourse of atoms.
    It was from causes seemingly fortuitous . . . that all the mighty effects of the Reformation flowed. Robertson.
    So as to throw a glancing and fortuitous light upon the whole. Hazlitt.
  2. (LAw) Happening independently of human will or means of foresight; resulting from unavoidable physical causes. Abbott. Syn. -- Accidental; casual; contingent; incidental. See Accidental. -- For*tu"i*tous*ly, adv. -- For*tu"i*tous*ness, n.

Webster 1913