noun, na-adjective, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
misfortune; bad luck; obscurity
Refers to a state of being unrecognized, unlucky, or not given due opportunity, often in career or life circumstances. Can be used as a noun or adjectivally with な or の.
He was unfortunate in his youth, but now he is successful.
不遇な環境でも努力を続けた。
He kept working hard even in unfavorable circumstances.
happiness and sorrows; fortune and misfortune
dark days; period of misfortune and obscurity
neglected by the world; denied deserved recognition
Composed of 不 (not) and 遇 (treatment, reception), literally meaning 'not well received' or 'not given favorable treatment'. The kanji combination directly conveys the sense of being unrecognized or unlucky in one's circumstances.