unlucky
uhn-LUH-kee
Unlucky (adjective) means having or bringing bad luck. Example: “It was an unlucky day for the whole team.”
adjective
1
Having or bringing bad luck.
"It was an unlucky day for the whole team."
"Some people think the number thirteen is unlucky."
"He felt unlucky when it rained on the only free day of his holiday."
How to use unlucky
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMarked by bad luck, or believed to cause it.
Common pairings
unlucky number
unlucky break
unlucky day
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Word forms
- Comparative
- unluckier, more unlucky
- Superlative
- unluckiest, most unlucky
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It was an _____ day for the whole team.
Etymology
From "un-" + "lucky."
Synonyms
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jinxed
cursed
hard done by
hapless
down on one's luck
fortuneless
ill-boding
ill-fated
ill-starred
inauspicious
infelicitous
infortunate
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for unlucky
See all rhymes for 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.
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