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
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
After all of that, someone still had to go home, and the unlucky contestant this week was Fuzzy Peas.
—
Lauren Huff, EW.com, 20 Feb. 2025
For the citizens of Oak Valley, Maine – this year's unlucky arena – the goal is much simpler.
—Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
Punters less-savvy with their statistical knowledge might’ve gleaned that Brendan Rodger’s men were unlucky to not come away with a draw.
—Brett Koremenos, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
From tornadoes to mudslides and floods and more floods, Kentucky has endured an unlucky streak, stretching back too many uncomfortable years to count, of being pounded by one climate disaster after another.
—Tricia Fulks Kelley, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlucky
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Lauren Huff, EW.com, 20 Feb. 2025
For the citizens of Oak Valley, Maine – this year's unlucky arena – the goal is much simpler.
—Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
Punters less-savvy with their statistical knowledge might’ve gleaned that Brendan Rodger’s men were unlucky to not come away with a draw.
—Brett Koremenos, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
From tornadoes to mudslides and floods and more floods, Kentucky has endured an unlucky streak, stretching back too many uncomfortable years to count, of being pounded by one climate disaster after another.
—Tricia Fulks Kelley, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlucky
Cite this Entry
“Unlucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlucky. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
adverb
-ˈlək-ə-lē
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