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
Chisholm may be right that he’s been a tad unlucky.
—
Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Angela and Lee have been unlucky with their IVF treatments and cannot afford to pay for another round.
—Lawrence Yee, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Although a very different player, Sané was brilliant against Augsburg and was unlucky that his deflected shot ahead of the third goal was counted as an own goal.
—Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
The Ash actress was tasked with prank calling several of her closest friends as part of a recent Elle video, with Marsden being one of the unlucky and unknowing participants.
—EW.com, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlucky
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Angela and Lee have been unlucky with their IVF treatments and cannot afford to pay for another round.
—Lawrence Yee, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Although a very different player, Sané was brilliant against Augsburg and was unlucky that his deflected shot ahead of the third goal was counted as an own goal.
—Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
The Ash actress was tasked with prank calling several of her closest friends as part of a recent Elle video, with Marsden being one of the unlucky and unknowing participants.
—EW.com, 26 Mar. 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 3 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share