down on one's luck

phrase

Synonyms of down on one's lucknext
: experiencing misfortune and especially financial distress

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of down on one's luck was in 1832

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Cite this Entry

“Down on one's luck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/down%20on%20one%27s%20luck. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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