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

made an unlucky choice

unluckiness

ˌən-ˈlə-kē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of unlucky

• unfortunate
• unhappy
• luckless

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

Mexico’s impressive three-weight champion and current IBF and WBO super-featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete is perhaps unlucky not to be in the top 10. — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 28 July 2026

Chegg’s story matters to every company in the space because its fate reveals more than the structural weaknesses of one unlucky business. — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

But history is littered with instances of crashes that, for the unlucky, happen at the worst possible moment. — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 26 July 2026

Before Friday, Son recorded nine assists but no goals over 13 unlucky matches this season. — Los Angeles Times, 18 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing unlucky

• unlucky in love

Rhymes for unlucky

• bucky
• lucky
• mucky
• plucky

Kids 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

-ˈlək-ə-lē

adverb

unluckiness

-ˈlək-ē-nəs 

noun