bad luck

/bæd lʌk/
phrase★Beginner
informal

An unfortunate or unlucky situation or event that causes problems or disappointment.

I had bad luck when my car broke down on the way to the interview.

I had bad luck when my flight was canceled last minute.

💡

This phrase is commonly used to describe unexpected misfortune or poor outcomes.

Collocations

have bad luckto experience misfortunebring bad luckto cause misfortune

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

good luckphrase
the opposite of bad luck, referring to favorable circumstances
luck of the drawidiom
the outcome determined by chance

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

Use 'bad luck' to acknowledge someone's misfortune in a sympathetic way.

⚡Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

While useful, overusing 'bad luck' can make your speech repetitive. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines 'bad' (unfavorable) and 'luck' (fortune or chance), originating from Old English 'luc' meaning 'happiness' or 'chance.'

📝Usage Notes

Often used in casual conversation to express disappointment or sympathy for unfortunate events.

Word Breakdown

bad
unfavorable or negative
adjective
+
luck
fortune or chance
noun
English Dictionary