unlucky

[uhn-luhk-ee]

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.

unlucky

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• unluckily adverb
• unluckiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unlucky¹

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

Example Sentences

"It was not about inability. We were unlucky at the top with the new ball to not get a nick. The lads stuck in there in the powerplay, it just didn't go our way tonight."

From BBC

We outplayed them in the second half after our horror start and we were unlucky not to get another goal.

From BBC

For some unlucky consumers, a quick pit stop at the newly opened Tesla Diner in West Hollywood led to a subpar dining experience.

From Salon

Yes, they still lost and did not score, but United were the better team at Old Trafford and will feel desperately unlucky they did not get anything out of the game.

From BBC

"I don't think anyone is to blame, they were just really, really unlucky."

From BBC

Related Words

• hapless 
• miserable 
• tragic 
• unhappy