unlucky

American  

[uhn-luhk-ee] / ʌnˈlʌk i /

adjective

unluckier, unluckiest

1. (of a person) not lucky; lacking good fortune; ill-fated.

2. (of an event or circumstance) inauspicious or characterized by misfortune; ominous.

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unlucky British  

/ ʌnˈlʌkɪ /

adjective

1. characterized by misfortune or failure

   an unlucky person

   an unlucky chance

2. ill-omened; inauspicious

   an unlucky date

3. regrettable; disappointing

4. dialect causing trouble; mischievous

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Other Word Forms

• unluckily adverb
• unluckiness noun

Etymology

Origin of unlucky

First recorded in 1520–30; un- ¹ + lucky ¹

Example Sentences

The 6-foot-7 forward hadn’t played more than 66 games in a season during his first three years in the NBA, often beset by nagging or unlucky injuries.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

The meal ended quickly, and the remains of the unlucky rodent were left scattered across the cave floor.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

The clubs selected the most are partly unlucky that they have not played European teams on many weekends.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Founders and lead executives Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss picked an unlucky time for an initial public offering.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

The man walked away, not before asking where he could find food and water for his stallion, which was called Svadilfari, which means “one who makes an unlucky journey.”

From "Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman

Related Words

• hapless
• miserable
• tragic
• unhappy