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
Other unlucky policyholders may have been dropped just months before disaster hit.
—
Ron Lieber, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2025
When setbacks strike, unlucky people see confirmation that the odds are against them, while lucky people view challenges as stepping stones to future success.
—Margie Warrell, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
If a person is unlucky enough to have drug-resistant TB, the next step is costly testing to determine if their body can withstand harsh, alternative treatments.
—John Green, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2025
One person will be on top, another safe in the middle, and the unlucky third on the bottom.
—Caroline Framke, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlucky
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Ron Lieber, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2025
When setbacks strike, unlucky people see confirmation that the odds are against them, while lucky people view challenges as stepping stones to future success.
—Margie Warrell, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
If a person is unlucky enough to have drug-resistant TB, the next step is costly testing to determine if their body can withstand harsh, alternative treatments.
—John Green, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2025
One person will be on top, another safe in the middle, and the unlucky third on the bottom.
—Caroline Framke, Vulture, 13 Mar. 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 25 Mar. 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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