unlucky

adjective

un·​lucky ˌən-ˈlə-kē How to pronounce unlucky (audio)
Synonyms of unluckynext
1
: marked by adversity or failure
an unlucky year
2
: likely to bring misfortune : inauspicious
an unlucky number
3
: having or meeting with misfortune
unlucky people
4
: producing dissatisfaction : regrettable
made an unlucky choice
unluckiness
ˌən-ˈlə-kē-nəs How to pronounce unlucky (audio)
noun

Synonyms of unlucky

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Examples of unlucky in a Sentence

She was unlucky enough to get a flat tire on the way to her job interview. Some people think that 13 is an unlucky number. He thinks it's unlucky to have a black cat cross your path.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As much as 20 inches of rain could fall in some unlucky areas. — Evan Bush, NBC news, 17 June 2026 So goes an unlucky fisherman’s joke. — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 19 June 2026 The unlucky team became Iran, which because of the even outcome fell off the list of third-place teams advancing to the Round of 32. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2026 Hex marks the spot for sisters Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as unlucky-in-love witches. — Arushi Jacob, Variety, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unlucky

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unlucky was circa 1530

Phrases Containing unlucky

Rhymes for unlucky

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Browse Nearby Words

unluckiness
unlucky
unlucky in love
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Cite this Entry

“Unlucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlucky. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unlucky

adjective
un·​lucky ˌən-ˈlək-ē How to pronounce unlucky (audio)
ˈən-
1
: marked by bad luck or failure
an unlucky day
2
: likely to bring misfortune
an unlucky number
3
: having or meeting with misfortune
unlucky people
4
: causing distress or regret
unluckily
-ˈlək-ə-lē
adverb
unluckiness
-ˈlək-ē-nəs How to pronounce unlucky (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unlucky

Nglish: Translation of unlucky for Spanish Speakers

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