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

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hard luck

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

He added that the upheaval was indicative of the hard luck of California Republicans.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 18, 2024

But now, with just 10 matches remaining, they need significantly more than goodwill and hard luck.

From BBC ● Mar. 13, 2024

He first tore his Achilles on Aug. 3, 2020, and then had more hard luck.

From Seattle Times ● May 29, 2023

“It was rather hard luck on them, all the same,” said he.

From "The Magician's Nephew" by C. S. Lewis

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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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