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 Monckton, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
The less credibility those have, the more likely that Putin will be tempted to try his luck with round three.
—The Editors, National Review, 24 Apr. 2025
Maha Abouelenein, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
But everyone from Bill Gates to Warren Buffett sites luck as a key ingredient in their success.
—Jj Rosen, The Tennessean, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for luck
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.
Noun
Those hoping for a significantly cheaper way to buy Gemini Advanced will probably be out of luck.
—Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
The less credibility those have, the more likely that Putin will be tempted to try his luck with round three.
—The Editors, National Review, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
Despite evidence of success, people experiencing imposter syndrome often attribute their achievements to luck or timing rather than their own abilities.
—Maha Abouelenein, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
But everyone from Bill Gates to Warren Buffett sites luck as a key ingredient in their success.
—Jj Rosen, The Tennessean, 10 Feb. 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 4 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share