unlucky
1 antonyms and opposites of unlucky, grouped by meaning.
Adjective — Having or bringing bad luck.
Antonyms
How to use unlucky
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From "un-" + "lucky."
Full origin of unlucky →Frequently asked questions
What does “unlucky” mean?
The word “unlucky” means having or bringing bad luck. In plain terms, marked by bad luck, or believed to cause it.
How do you pronounce “unlucky”?
“Unlucky” is pronounced uhn-LUH-kee (/ʌnˈlʌki/ in IPA).
How do you use “unlucky” in a sentence?
Here is “unlucky” used in a sentence: “It was an unlucky day for the whole team.”
What is another word for “unlucky”?
Words with a similar meaning to “unlucky” include hapless, down on one's luck, fortuneless, ill-boding, ill-fated and ill-starred.
What is the opposite of “unlucky”?
The opposite of “unlucky” — its antonyms — is lucky.
What part of speech is “unlucky”?
“Unlucky” is an adjective.
Is “unlucky” a common word?
“Unlucky” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between unlucky and unfortunate?
Unlucky specifically points to bad luck or chance as the cause of a negative outcome, while unfortunate is broader and can describe any regrettable situation regardless of whether luck was involved. 'Unlucky to lose' suggests chance played a role, whereas 'unfortunate decision' does not imply luck at all.
Is unlucky formal or informal?
Unlucky is a neutral, everyday word suitable for both casual conversation and general writing. It is less formal than alternatives like inauspicious or ill-fated, which appear more in literary or elevated contexts.
Why do some cultures consider certain numbers unlucky?
Certain numbers, such as thirteen in many Western cultures or four in some East Asian cultures, are considered unlucky due to superstitions and cultural associations rather than any factual basis. The word unlucky is used here to mean believed to bring bad luck.