tough luck

idiom

informal

—used in speech to show sympathy for someone who has failed or has been disappointed

You lost your job? Oh, tough luck.

—often used in an ironic way to show that one does not feel sympathy for someone

"I need more time to finish the job." "Tough luck. You knew the job was supposed to be done by today."

Examples of tough luck in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Though the most recent result is the most lopsided of the season to date, the Centenary offense is improved, now averaging nearly 90 more yards of total offense per game than a year ago, even with the tough luck at quarterback. —Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025

On a macro level, this group’s tough luck is moving the needle in broader data sets that are used in part by economists and monetary policymakers to determine the health of the economy. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025

The Packers have had some tough luck with pass catchers, as Dontayvion Hicks, Savion Williams, and Christian Watson are all dealing with injuries. —James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025

Even with the tough luck through 15 races, Reddick and Wallace are sixth and 10th in the standings, respectively. —Joseph Wolkin, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025

Rhymes for tough luck

• amok
• amuck
• awestruck
• dumbstruck
• potluck
• roebuck
• unstuck
• woodchuck
• chuck
• cluck
• duck
• huck