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

unluckiness

ˌən-ˈlə-kē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• hapless
• hard-luck
• ill-fated
• ill-starred
• jinxed
• luckless
• snakebit
• snakebitten
• star-crossed
• unfortunate
• unhappy

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

Mendoza pointed to Stanek having trouble putting hitters away but reasoned that the reliever has gotten unlucky with soft contact turning into hits. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 1 May 2025

Advanced statistics show the Orioles have been getting very unlucky, both at the plate and on the mound. —Julian Baron, Baltimore Sun, 29 Apr. 2025

Bartlett was unlucky not to be part of Australia’s weakened squad at the recent Champions Trophy, but should be part of their longer-term 50-over plans given the next ODI World Cup in 2027 is in the favorable seam-bowling conditions of southern Africa. —Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Then the plane smashed into the ground, and the excruciating pain and suffering of those unlucky enough to be on board that day began. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing unlucky

• unlucky in love

Rhymes for unlucky

• bucky
• lucky
• mucky
• plucky

Kids 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

-ˈlək-ə-lē

adverb

unluckiness

-ˈlək-ē-nəs 

noun