tough luck

phrase

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

And if a great majority of Californians disagree, tough luck for them. — U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026

That tough luck on Monday was typical for Moore’s spring. — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026

So she could have been crushed on Tuesday as her tough luck at the Winter Games persisted. — Sean Gregory, Time, 10 Feb. 2026

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

Rhymes for tough luck

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