ILL-STARRED Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

ill-starred

adjective

ˈil-ˈstärd

Definition of ill-starred

as in unhappy

having, prone to, or marked by bad luck an ill-starred attempt to circumnavigate the earth in a balloon

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ill-starred

Adjective

The Panthers were immediately unhappy, asking for a defensive pass interference.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2026
The family of Harry Gampel is unhappy with the name change to Gampel Pavilion.

— Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of unhappy

Adjective

Before that, the Broncos were a major beneficiary of an unfortunate series of events in the third quarter.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2026
As the state no longer holds a monopoly on the tools—nor the data—used to keep us safe, an opaque gap between the private and public sectors has opened where unfortunate, and even tragic, events can transpire.

— David Niccolini, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of unfortunate

Adjective

Best of all is his biggest adversary, Sonny Liston, whose luckless early years spoil a tender soul Joseph keenly brings to light.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2026
During these walking meditations my notebook starts to feel suspiciously similar to the luckless young climber’s selfie camera.

— Brian Laidlaw, Longreads, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of luckless

Adjective

Instead of forcing plot onto his amorously hapless characters, Shaw explores leitmotifs in a playful, contrapuntal fashion.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
The surprising loss to the Commanders was followed by a win over the hapless LA Chargers, then two frustrating losses to the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos in overtime.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of hapless

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.

Browse Nearby Words

ills

ill-starred

ill-tempered

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“Ill-starred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ill-starred. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of ill-starred

adjective

Example Sentences

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