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

Whether a challenge was reckless or unlucky, whether force was proportionate, whether intent should count at all — no additional data resolves these questions. — Oded Netzer, Fortune, 13 July 2026

Bryce debuted on As the World Turns in 1982 as the charming but oft self-destructive Craig Montgomery, known for his manipulative schemes and unlucky romances. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 13 July 2026

The unlucky nobleman Tullus was bitten by a fierce haemorrhois, causing blood to pour from his eyes, nose, ears, mouth, and other orifices and outlets. — Literary Hub, 10 July 2026

In rebuttal, Lamin dismissed the defense’s theory that Parker had simply been unlucky. — Tyler Quattrin, Twin Cities, 6 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