ill-starred

American  

[il-stahrd] / ˈɪlˈstɑrd /

adjective

1. doomed to misfortune or disaster; ill-fated; unlucky.

   an ill-starred enterprise.

2. disastrous.

   an ill-starred marriage.

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ill-starred British  

adjective

1. unlucky; unfortunate; ill-fated

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Etymology

Origin of ill-starred

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

In 1937 Jessica eloped to Europe with her second cousin Esmond Romilly—their ill-starred plan was to head to Spain to report on the civil war there.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Tuchel's immediate predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate even referenced Capello's ill-starred new deal in his book when there was talk of his contract being extended after Euro 2024.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

But what tilts this ill-starred production into epic disaster is the backstage drama that breaks out when romantic jealousy spreads throughout the company.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2025

There are portents aplenty packed into the hold of the ill-starred ship of the title in “The Last Voyage of the Demeter.”

From Seattle Times • Aug. 10, 2023

“No, ma’am, not twins,” answered Alyce again, wondering why twin cows such as Baldred and Billfrith should be such a joy and a boon while twin babies were ill-starred and unlucky.

From "The Midwife's Apprentice" by Karen Cushman