1
as in unfortunate
having, prone to, or marked by bad luck
the unlucky campers had rain all week I'm so unlucky I don't bother to play the lottery an unlucky throw of the dice
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tragic
of a kind to cause great distress
the settlers made the unlucky decision to cross the dangerous mountain pass in the middle of winter
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Recent Examples of unlucky
Paul, who lives in Armatage, was one of the unlucky victims.
—
Jason Rantala, CBS News, 11 May 2026
What happened next was both insane, and more than a little unlucky.
—Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026
Those unlucky enough to be targeted first are turned to red mist, and entire sections of the level don't resist the barrages much better.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 27 Apr. 2026
The details police have released thus far describe a series of unlucky coincidences for Mullins, who appeared to have been caught off-guard and specifically targeted by his killer.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlucky
Jason Rantala, CBS News, 11 May 2026
What happened next was both insane, and more than a little unlucky.
—Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026
Those unlucky enough to be targeted first are turned to red mist, and entire sections of the level don't resist the barrages much better.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 27 Apr. 2026
The details police have released thus far describe a series of unlucky coincidences for Mullins, who appeared to have been caught off-guard and specifically targeted by his killer.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlucky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlucky
Adjective
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However, Cincinnati and Washington have been done in by unfortunate injuries and organizational disorder.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
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The unfortunate problem is that, like most other things, the system can be gamed—people could submit flawed content that lists people as authors who have never been involved.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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What could have easily made for an overwrought and even tragic read, however, is presented with a surprisingly light touch.—
Sheldon Pearce,
New Yorker,
15 May 2026
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The ongoing issues for Kirby Smart and his players have only increased since a tragic accident claimed the life of offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy following the 2022 national championship season.—
Trey Wallace OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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With the Mets taking a 2-1 lead, Rodón, clearly unhappy, appeared to curse at himself as Austin Wells patted him on the shoulder.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
17 May 2026
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Janet reportedly attended an early private screening of the rough cut of the film and walked away pretty unhappy.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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Vasyanovych plays Roman, a luckless director who’s out of work and trying to shoot his latest film in a country whose dwindling population is still traumatized by the war.—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unlucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlucky. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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