unlucky

Everyday

1. Unlucky means having bad luck, when things go wrong by chance. tree →
2. Unlucky means bringing bad luck, as some people believe: «an unlucky number». tree →
3. Unlucky can mean sad that something did not happen: «you were unlucky not to win». tree →

In the lessons

a word of the story only, or a feeling after losing something; in everyday life: «unlucky!» is said kindly to someone who just missed; in stories and beliefs: some people think 13, black cats or broken mirrors are unlucky, but these are only superstitions; phrases: «unlucky for some», «unlucky in love»

Examples

• The unlucky team lost 3 games in a row. tree →
• Unlucky Sam dropped 4 of his 10 eggs. tree →
• 13 is called an unlucky number. tree →
• It was an unlucky day: he lost 2 dollars. tree →
• «Unlucky!» said the coach when the ball hit the post. tree →
• Some people think a black cat crossing your path is unlucky. tree →
• She was unlucky to miss the bus by one minute. tree →
• Unluckily, it rained on sports day. tree →
• But odd numbers are sometimes considered unlucky. tree →

Note

Carries no clue to the operation; look at what happened (lost, dropped) for taking away. Superstitions about unlucky numbers are not true: no number brings bad luck. Opposite: lucky. un- means not.