Synonyms

hard luck

Idioms

Misfortune, adversity, as in He's had a lot of hard luck in his day. This expression is also used in the phrase hard-luck story, a tale of one's misfortune that is related in order to get sympathy (or a donation). For example, We can't ignore her hard-luck story, even if you doubt that it's true. [Second half of 1500s] Also see tough break.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This year’s squad has also had some hard luck, with two starters missing the ACC Tournament through injury.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

Tidewater gobies are a hardy fish fallen on hard luck.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2025

The time for hard luck stories and excuses has gone.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2024

This season, after some hard luck early, Eberle has scored six times his past 11 games entering Thursday’s game — coinciding with the best stretch of team play in franchise history.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 1, 2022

“We’ve both had hard luck when it came to marryin’.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

hard luck

Example Sentences

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