tough luck
idiom
informal
—used in speech to show sympathy for someone who has failed or has been disappointed
You lost your job? Oh, tough luck.
—often used in an ironic way to show that one does not feel sympathy for someone"I need more time to finish the job." "Tough luck. You knew the job was supposed to be done by today."
Examples of tough luck in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The runner on third scored, resulting in a tough luck sac fly for Edman, and Taylor undoubtedly saved the runner on first from scoring.
—
Ryan Morik, Fox News, 17 Oct. 2024
Game 1: Royals snap losing streak with 4-1 win over Marlins
Game 2: Royals bullpen spoils Seth Lugo’s marvelous start against Marlins
Here are more notable aspects of Wednesday’s game:
Another quality start for Brady Singer
Singer was the latest Royals starter to receive a bit of tough luck.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2024
Fierce headwinds for Tesla That’s tough luck for Musk’s detractors, such as early Tesla investor and onetime board director Steve Westly, who otherwise would have the perfect opportunity to topple the CEO from his perch.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 7 June 2024
Carter’s first interception involved tough luck as the ball was tipped at the line.
—Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2023
Ilkay Gungodan is not having much luck in Blaugrana so far
Returning to the first XI for the first time since picking up a first half knock against Real Madrid in Arlington, Texas a fortnight ago, the ex-Manchester City captain's tough luck continued.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 13 Aug. 2023
And if a young worker dies and leaves small children, tough luck.
—Tom Margenau, Dallas News, 13 Aug. 2023
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.
Ryan Morik, Fox News, 17 Oct. 2024
Game 1: Royals snap losing streak with 4-1 win over Marlins
Game 2: Royals bullpen spoils Seth Lugo’s marvelous start against Marlins
Here are more notable aspects of Wednesday’s game:
Another quality start for Brady Singer
Singer was the latest Royals starter to receive a bit of tough luck.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2024
Fierce headwinds for Tesla That’s tough luck for Musk’s detractors, such as early Tesla investor and onetime board director Steve Westly, who otherwise would have the perfect opportunity to topple the CEO from his perch.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 7 June 2024
Carter’s first interception involved tough luck as the ball was tipped at the line.
—Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2023
Ilkay Gungodan is not having much luck in Blaugrana so far
Returning to the first XI for the first time since picking up a first half knock against Real Madrid in Arlington, Texas a fortnight ago, the ex-Manchester City captain's tough luck continued.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 13 Aug. 2023
And if a young worker dies and leaves small children, tough luck.
—Tom Margenau, Dallas News, 13 Aug. 2023
Dictionary Entries Near tough luck
Cite this Entry
“Tough luck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tough%20luck. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share