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

Explanation

When it seems like you're doomed to have bad luck, you're star-crossed. You may feel like your camping plans are star-crossed if it rains every time you head into the woods with your sleeping bag. Shakespeare coined this term in the prologue of Romeo and Juliet, when he described his tragic protagonists as "a pair of star-cross'd lovers." Right off the bat, he made it clear that these two will have terrible luck as they repeatedly try to be together. The stars themselves seem to be working against them, an idea that reflected the common 16th-century belief that the position of the stars could control a person's fate.

Example Sentences

And in the same instant, Andie’s dreams of a romance with her star-crossed lover begin to cloud her better judgment.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026

They will portray the star-crossed lovers on stage at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London from March 2026, as first reported by US outlet Deadline.

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2025

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

Gerwig, Emerald Fennell for “Saltburn” and Celine Song for star-crossed romance “Past Lives” all failed to make the list.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 18, 2024

I hurt with the knowledge that maybe our meeting had been a cruel accident and not star-crossed love.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri