1
: the things that happen to a person because of chance : the accidental way things happen without being planned
Our meeting happened by (pure) luck. [=chance]
Her business has been doing poorly, but she's hoping that her luck will change. [=she's hoping that she will begin to have success]
We had good/bad luck fishing.
He's been having nothing but bad/rotten/hard/tough/lousy luck.
He cursed his luck.
Note: When luck is on your side or luck is with you, your luck is good. When luck is against you, your luck is bad.
2
a
: good fortune : good luck
He succeeded through hard work and a little luck.
We need a bit of luck.
If our luck holds [=if our luck continues to be good], we should be able to arrive on time.
Before her husband left for his job interview, she gave him a kiss for luck. [=so that he would have good luck]
I can't believe they gave the job to that guy. Some people/guys have all the luck. [=some people are very lucky]
The success of his first restaurant was just beginner's luck. [=he succeeded because he was lucky, as beginners sometimes are]
With (any) luck [=if we are lucky, if what we want to happen does happen] there'll still be some tickets left when we arrive.
By a stroke of luck, there were still a few tickets left when we arrived.
b
: success in doing or getting something
Have you had any luck [=success] (in) finding a new apartment?
"I've been looking for a new apartment." "Any luck?" "No, not yet."
I've had no luck in finding a new apartment.
He had no better luck than I did.
Cite this Entry
“Luck.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/luck. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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