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
Synonyms
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
Instead, Sandberg’s film follows a new gaggle of unlucky teenagers, though the inclusion of a missing sister indicates Dauberman’s script follows some beats from the original game.
—
Lauren Coates, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025
The ever-so-dazzling host announces the unlucky Faithfuls: Jeremy, Nikki and Ciara.
—Nick Caruso, TVLine, 16 Jan. 2025
Lucky that there was bit more space from the neighbors—but unlucky that the neighbor pulled his car into driveway.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
The 1967 Stanley Cup for Toronto was No. 13 and that proved to be an unlucky number.
—Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for unlucky 
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.
Lauren Coates, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025
The ever-so-dazzling host announces the unlucky Faithfuls: Jeremy, Nikki and Ciara.
—Nick Caruso, TVLine, 16 Jan. 2025
Lucky that there was bit more space from the neighbors—but unlucky that the neighbor pulled his car into driveway.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
The 1967 Stanley Cup for Toronto was No. 13 and that proved to be an unlucky number.
—Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for unlucky
Dictionary Entries Near unlucky
Cite this Entry
“Unlucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlucky. Accessed 2 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share