unlucky

[ uhn-luhk-ee ]

adjective

, un·luck·i·er, un·luck·i·est.

1. (of a person) not lucky; lacking good fortune; ill-fated.
2. (of an event or circumstance) inauspicious or characterized by misfortune; ominous.

unlucky

/ ʌnˈlʌkɪ /

adjective

1. characterized by misfortune or failure

   an unlucky person

   an unlucky chance

2. ill-omened; inauspicious

   an unlucky date

3. regrettable; disappointing
4. dialect.
   causing trouble; mischievous

Derived Forms

• unˈluckiness, noun
• unˈluckily, adverb

Other Words From

• un·lucki·ly adverb
• un·lucki·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unlucky¹

First recorded in 1520–30; un- ¹ + lucky ¹

Example Sentences

"It is a real problem and not unlucky any more. This is a trend that has stuck with England."

From BBC

“Just unlucky, nothing more than that. I made a couple of mistakes that cost me a couple of positions in the end.”

From BBC

Newcastle are on a run of five league games without a win, but they have been a little unlucky during that spell.

From BBC

"John Turner bowled really well and was unlucky not to get a wicket."

From BBC

"He died before the ambulance arrived. I was told he was very unlucky, because a piece of shrapnel pierced his heart," she says, breaking down.

From BBC

Related Words

• hapless
• miserable
• tragic
• unhappy