interjection
good luck
good LUK
Good luck (interjection) means Said to someone facing something uncertain or difficult, to wish them a favourable outcome. Example: “Good luck with the interview tomorrow.”
interjection
1
Said to someone facing something uncertain or difficult, to wish them a favourable outcome.
"Good luck with the interview tomorrow."
"Good luck, and let me know how it goes."
2
informal Said sarcastically to signal that someone is attempting the impossible.
"You want a refund after ninety days? Good luck."
noun
1
Favourable chance; fortune that works in someone's favour.
"It was pure good luck that the flight was delayed and we caught it."
"Finding a flat that quickly was good luck rather than good management."
How to use good luck
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA wish that things go well for someone.
When to use it
Warm and universal in the sincere sense, but a bare 'good luck' with a flat tone reads as dismissive, so speech and messages usually add a detail: good luck with the move.
Memory tip
Use 'good luck with' before a noun and 'good luck' plus a clause is avoided — say good luck with the exam, not good luck you pass.
Easily confused with
good luck vs. best of luck
good luck vs. break a leg
Common pairings
good luck with
wish you good luck
good luck charm
best of luck
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_____ with the interview tomorrow.
Synonyms
View more →
best of luck
all the best
break a leg
fingers crossed
fortune
luck
a lucky break
serendipity
fat chance
yeah, right
Antonyms
bad luck
misfortune
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between good luck and break a leg?
Break a leg is the theatre-specific version, used precisely because performers traditionally consider wishing good luck unlucky. Outside performance it sounds jokey or odd, so good luck remains the general-purpose wish.
Is it rude to say good luck?
Not in itself, but it can land badly in two situations: when someone wanted help rather than encouragement, and when the tone is flat or the request is obviously hopeless, which turns it sarcastic. Naming what you are wishing them luck with keeps it sincere.
What is the meaning of good luck?
"good luck" (interjection) means said to someone facing something uncertain or difficult, to wish them a favourable outcome.
What is another word for good luck?
Other words for "good luck" include best of luck, all the best, break a leg, fingers crossed, fortune, luck.
