adj.
Pronunciation: ' f ā t-f ə l
Function: adjective
Date: circa 1720
1 : having a quality of ominous prophecy <a fateful remark>
2 a : involving momentous consequences : DECISIVE <made his fateful decision to declare war ― W. L. Shirer> b : DEADLY , CATASTROPHIC
3 : controlled by fate : FOREORDAINED
synonyms see OMINOUS
– fate · ful · ly \ -f ə -l ē \ adverb
– fate · ful · ness noun