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

Fire officials said Camarillo Heights got incredibly unlucky.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

Former England wing Ugo Monye said the defeat against Australia is like "groundhog day" and that being "unlucky" is no longer an excuse.

From BBC

He may feel the need to reintroduce Ryan Baird and Craig Casey, who were unlucky to miss out on the matchday squad, while Calvin Nash - who ably deputised for the injured Mack Hansen in the Six Nations - will be itching for another chance.

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

Related Words

• hapless
• miserable
• tragic
• unhappy