1
a
: a force that brings good fortune or adversity
Luck was a big factor in the outcome.
b
: the events or circumstances that operate for or against an individual
The loser muttered something about bad luck.
2
: favoring chance
lucked; lucking; lucks
1
: to prosper or succeed especially through chance or good fortune
—usually used with out
the hero lucks out and is able to escape
2
: to come upon something desirable by chance
—usually used with out, on, onto, or into
lucked into a wonderful opportunity
Examples of luck in a Sentence
Noun
We had good luck fishing.
He's been having nothing but bad luck.
He succeeded through hard work and a little luck.
We need a bit of luck.
By a stroke of luck, there were still a few tickets left when we arrived.
“I've been looking for a new apartment.” “Any luck?” “No, not yet.”
I've had no luck in finding a new apartment.
He had no better luck than I did.
Recent Examples on the Web
Paul Newman, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2025
But nuclear weapons have not prevented conflict between nuclear states, as fighting between India and Pakistan has shown, and there are many possible explanations other than deterrence for the absence of nuclear war among such states, including luck.
—Siegfried Hecker, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025
Will better luck be enough to power the Chiefs into the postseason?
—Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for luck
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Noun
Yet perhaps Carey deserved that luck.
—Paul Newman, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2025
But nuclear weapons have not prevented conflict between nuclear states, as fighting between India and Pakistan has shown, and there are many possible explanations other than deterrence for the absence of nuclear war among such states, including luck.
—Siegfried Hecker, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Verb
She's joined Prince William in multiple videos shared on social media to wish the Lionesses luck ahead of a big game.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025
Will better luck be enough to power the Chiefs into the postseason?
—Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for luck
Cite this Entry
“Luck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luck. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.
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