star-crossed

American  

[stahr-krawst, -krost] / ˈstɑrˌkrɔst, -ˌkrɒst /

adjective

1. thwarted or opposed by the stars; ill-fated.

   star-crossed lovers.

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star-crossed British  

adjective

1. dogged by ill luck; destined to misfortune

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Etymology

Origin of star-crossed

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

Their retelling imagines the star-crossed lovers meeting later in life, repositioning the story from a perspective of age and experience, with the title characters aged in their 40s.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

Class is the central theme in “Egoist”: Kosuke and Ryuta’s star-crossed romance shows us how money, and the struggle to make ends meet, can complicate even the most genuine love.

From New York Times • Apr. 18, 2024

Lauded as a trans-affirming story that also features a star-crossed gay love story, “Nimona” proves that heroines don’t need to be nice or sweet to win us over.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 4, 2024

The supernatural western follows Wynonna — a gun-slinging demon hunter descended from the legendary Wyatt Earp — and her close-knit family, including her half angel sister Waverly, town-sheriff bestie-turned-sister-in-law Nicole and star-crossed love Doc.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 8, 2024

We star-crossed lovers from District 12, who suffered so much and enjoyed so little the rewards of our victory, do not seek the fans’ favor, grace them with our smiles, or catch their kisses.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins