unlucky

adjective

un·​lucky ˌən-ˈlə-kē How to pronounce unlucky (audio)
1
: marked by adversity or failure
an unlucky year
2
: likely to bring misfortune : inauspicious
an unlucky number
3
: having or meeting with misfortune
unlucky people
4
: producing dissatisfaction : regrettable
unluckiness noun

Examples of unlucky in a Sentence

She was unlucky enough to get a flat tire on the way to her job interview. Some people think that 13 is an unlucky number. He thinks it's unlucky to have a black cat cross your path.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That unlucky player was Vidmar, which was an unfortunate turn of events for the players back at camp counting on her to execute a blindside. Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024 The foreman is unlucky to be found by Hansu, who is infuriated not only with him but with himself. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Sep. 2024 This superstition deepened over time, particularly after the mass arrest of the Knights Templar on Friday, October 13th, 1307, further cementing the day’s unlucky status. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Sep. 2024 Friday the 13th may seem like an unlucky day, but seven Mega Millions jackpots have been won on the date, according to the lottery game. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unlucky 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unlucky was circa 1530

Dictionary Entries Near unlucky

Cite this Entry

“Unlucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlucky. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

unlucky

adjective
un·​lucky ˌən-ˈlək-ē How to pronounce unlucky (audio)
ˈən-
1
: marked by bad luck or failure
an unlucky day
2
: likely to bring misfortune
an unlucky number
3
: having or meeting with misfortune
unlucky people
4
: causing distress or regret
unluckily
-ˈlək-ə-lē
adverb
unluckiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unlucky

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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