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

Tidewater gobies are a hardy fish fallen on hard luck.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 23, 2025

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

From BBC ● Mar. 13, 2024

Almost overnight, the Harrig family mailbox was filled with letters full of hard luck stories: sick children, lost jobs, burned out homes.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 31, 2022

Ten children and a lot of hard luck had worn him down, had worn away most of the arrogance he came to this country with.

From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston

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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