unlucky
adjective
un·lucky
ˌən-ˈlə-kē 
1
: marked by adversity or failure
an unlucky year
2
: likely to bring misfortune : inauspicious
an unlucky number
3
: having or meeting with misfortune
unlucky people
4
: producing dissatisfaction : regrettable
Examples of unlucky in a Sentence
She was unlucky enough to get a flat tire on the way to her job interview.
Some people think that 13 is an unlucky number.
He thinks it's unlucky to have a black cat cross your path.
Recent Examples on the Web
People of all ages—particularly those who are immunocompromised or under-vaccinated, but also some who are just plain unlucky—are bound to get sick too.
—
Jamie Ducharme, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025
Maybe Earth gets unlucky and experiences multiple, simultaneous LIP events (though this grows less likely over time, Kane said, as the mantle cools and its churning slows).
—Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
Likewise, Newcastle United beat PSG 4-1 at St James’ Park during the 2023-2024 campaign and were unlucky to be drawn against tough opponents that year in PSG, Milan and Borussia Dortmund.
—Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
The unlucky fourth one was a heck of a trophy with 56-inch main beams.
—Jack Atcheson Sr. As Told To Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlucky
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Jamie Ducharme, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025
Maybe Earth gets unlucky and experiences multiple, simultaneous LIP events (though this grows less likely over time, Kane said, as the mantle cools and its churning slows).
—Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
Likewise, Newcastle United beat PSG 4-1 at St James’ Park during the 2023-2024 campaign and were unlucky to be drawn against tough opponents that year in PSG, Milan and Borussia Dortmund.
—Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
The unlucky fourth one was a heck of a trophy with 56-inch main beams.
—Jack Atcheson Sr. As Told To Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlucky
Cite this Entry
“Unlucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlucky. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unlucky
adjective
un·lucky
ˌən-ˈlək-ē
ˈən-
1
: marked by bad luck or failure
an unlucky day
2
: likely to bring misfortune
an unlucky number
3
: having or meeting with misfortune
unlucky people
4
: causing distress or regret
unluckily
adverb
-ˈlək-ə-lē
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