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

Despite the internet’s penchant for confusing popularity with profundity, “Heated Rivalry,” Canada’s completely inescapable gay romance series about two star-crossed hockey players, only has glimpses of true complexity.

From Salon • Jan. 2, 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

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

There was no denial, no star-crossed agony leading to their engagement.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman