unlucky

adjective

un·​lucky ˌən-ˈlə-kē 

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

unluckiness

ˌən-ˈlə-kē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• hapless
• hard-luck
• ill-fated
• ill-starred
• jinxed
• luckless
• snakebit
• snakebitten
• star-crossed
• unfortunate
• unhappy

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

What an unlucky season for Saquon Barkley managers — no, really! —Theo Gremminger, The Athletic, 14 Dec. 2024

Contrary to superstition, Friday the 13th (of December) was not an unlucky day for Morat. —Natalia Cano, Billboard, 14 Dec. 2024

This superstition deepened over time, particularly after the mass arrest of the Knights Templar on Friday, October 13th, 1307, further cementing the day’s unlucky status. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Dec. 2024

Michigan has been the luckiest state on the unlucky day, giving four winning jackpots throughout the years. —Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing unlucky

• unlucky in love

Kids Definition

unlucky

adjective

un·​lucky ˌən-ˈlək-ē 

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 

noun