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
In truth Flamengo was unlucky to meet an elite side like Bayern at this point, especially after beating Chelsea to top of the group, but that proved the luck of the draw.
—
Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Juan Fuentes Signed: Free agent, February 2018 Left: Free agent, July 2018
Has there been a more unlucky player to have signed for Forest?
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Then the diamond from the ring was lost — and later amazingly found — on Friday the 13th, considered by those superstitious to be an unlucky day.
—Erin Clack, People.com, 18 June 2025
That included one of the most unlucky moments in recent memory.
—Kendall Capps, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlucky
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Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Juan Fuentes Signed: Free agent, February 2018 Left: Free agent, July 2018
Has there been a more unlucky player to have signed for Forest?
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Then the diamond from the ring was lost — and later amazingly found — on Friday the 13th, considered by those superstitious to be an unlucky day.
—Erin Clack, People.com, 18 June 2025
That included one of the most unlucky moments in recent memory.
—Kendall Capps, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 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 8 Jul. 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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