luck

noun

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\ ˈlək

Definition of luck

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a force that brings good fortune or adversity Luck was a big factor in the outcome.

b : the events or circumstances that operate for or against an individual The loser muttered something about bad luck.

2 : favoring chance also : success had great luck growing orchids

luck

verb

lucked; lucking; lucks

Definition of luck (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to prosper or succeed especially through chance or good fortune —usually used with out the hero lucks out and is able to escape

2 : to come upon something desirable by chance —usually used with out, on, onto, or into lucked into a wonderful opportunity

Other Words from luck Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing luck Learn More About luck

Synonyms & Antonyms for luck

Synonyms: Noun

Antonyms: Noun

Examples of luck in a Sentence

Noun We had good luck fishing. He's been having nothing but bad luck. He succeeded through hard work and a little luck. We need a bit of luck. By a stroke of luck, there were still a few tickets left when we arrived. “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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun But those interested in emulating Zelenskyy’s auction fleece style are out of luck for the time being. — Tiffany Ap, Quartz, 9 May 2022 From their perspective their head-to-head matchups with Portland have had a lot of bad luck. — Dylan Bumbarger, oregonlive, 7 May 2022 Not that the rest of us are out of luck, but the altruistic urge among bystanders increases the more the victim exhibits these traits and the more the would-be altruist perceives that aid could be effective. — David P. Barash, WSJ, 6 May 2022 Those wishing to try out the pool for just one day are out of luck: Heights Pool sells only season passes. — Megan Rodriguez, San Antonio Express-News, 6 May 2022 To make matters worse, Google hadn't bothered to produce a standalone Maps app for iOS 6, so everybody who upgraded was out of luck. — PCMAG, 4 May 2022 In a stroke of luck, Mum's first three pups were female, which got the population off to a good start, explains Fyfe. — Nell Lewis; Video By Hazel Pfeifer, CNN, 3 May 2022 However, if the Sixers win, the player wouldn’t be out of luck. — Xl Media, cleveland, 2 May 2022 Kennard and McKeithen- are essentially out of luck. — Ivana Hrynkiw | Ihrynkiw@al.com, al, 28 Apr. 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb And with so much of the world still vulnerable to infection, the virus has many, many opportunities to luck into new variants that may yet enhance its ability to spread and reinfect. — Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 17 Aug. 2021 Yes, the Wolves could luck out in the lottery and still finish with a top-three pick. — Star Tribune, 1 May 2021 When Arizona reached the Final Four for the first time in school history, Carson recalled how, four years ago, Wildcats coach Adia Barnes had blown up the group chat with other Black coaches, wishing each one of them luck in their tournament games. — Nancy Armour, USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2021 There are a few insane guys that love to chase this reverse migration from Arkansas to Saskatchewan (when the border is open) and the rest of us are there to luck into a good shoot. — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 18 Mar. 2021 If only 6-1 Indiana could have been as fortunate to luck into that game. — Megan Ryan, Star Tribune, 10 Dec. 2020 So the people who wow us their first time out are unicorns, who luck into a great role and nail it. — Chris Hewitt, Star Tribune, 18 Nov. 2020 Maybe some or all of the leagues will luck out and keep enough players healthy. — Dave Clark, The Enquirer, 25 June 2020 Tough Break: Robertson and a friend had lucked into a school of giant walleyes. — Doug Olander, Field & Stream, 21 May 2020 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'luck.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.