What is luck? Pronunciation and usage in English

luck means . Learn how to pronounce and use luck through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of luck

lucknoun

/lʌk/
Definition & pronunciation of luck

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "luck" in English. Here's the most common and widely accepted pronunciation:

** /ˈlʌk/ **

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  • ˈ (stress mark): This indicates that the first syllable is the stressed syllable – it's the part of the word you emphasize when you say it.
  • lʌk:
    • l: Pronounced like the "l" in "lamp."
    • ʌ: This is a short, relaxed vowel sound. It's like the "a" in "but" or "sun." It's not like the "u" in "blue."
    • k: Pronounced like the "k" in "kite."

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "u." The "u" sound is subtle. It’s almost like adding a tiny bit of open space between the "l" and the "k".
  • Say it quickly. The pronunciation is fairly clipped and fast.

You can also listen to examples online:

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Usage and examples with the word luck in English

Let's break down how to use the word "luck" in English. It's a surprisingly nuanced word with a few different meanings and ways to use it.

1. Basic Definition: Chance & Fortune

  • Most Common Usage: "Luck" generally refers to a fortunate or unfavorable incident, event, or circumstance, often considered to be due to chance rather than skill or effort.
    • Example: "He had a lot of luck in winning the lottery." (Good luck)
    • Example: "It was just bad luck that the rain ruined our picnic." (Bad luck)

2. Types of "Luck" - More Specific Meanings

  • Good Luck: This is the most commonly understood meaning. It refers to positive fortune, winning, or success that isn't entirely earned.
    • Example: "She wished him good luck before his exam."
    • Example: "Despite her lack of experience, she got the job purely by luck."
  • Bad Luck: The opposite of good luck. It signifies misfortune, failure, or unfortunate events.
    • Example: “He always seems to have bad luck with technology.”
  • Luck of the Draw: This refers to a situation where the outcome is determined by chance, like drawing cards or winning a prize in a random selection.
    • Example: "It was just the luck of the draw that we got seated at the best table."
  • Lucky Charm/Superstition: “Luck” can be associated with objects or rituals believed to bring good fortune.
    • Example: “She wears a rabbit’s foot for good luck.”
    • Example: “I always cross my fingers for good luck.”

3. Phrases Using "Luck"

  • Have luck: (To experience fortunate events) – “I hope you have luck in your new job.”
  • Wish someone luck: (To express hope for a positive outcome) – "Good luck on your presentation!"
  • A stroke of luck: (A sudden, unexpected piece of good fortune) – “Finding that rare book was a stroke of luck.”
  • Lucky as can be: (Extremely fortunate) – “She’s lucky as can be – she won the prize and got a promotion!”
  • Fate/Destiny: Sometimes, "luck" is used interchangeably with “fate” or “destiny,” suggesting something predetermined. – "It seemed like it was just our fate to meet."

4. Using "Luck" in Different Contexts

  • Sports: “He relied on his skill, but a little luck helped him win the game."
  • Business: "A bit of luck played a part in the company's sudden success."
  • Romance: "They met by chance, a true case of love at first sight – or perhaps just luck!"
  • General Conversation: “It was pure luck that I found this apartment!”

5. Important Note: The Debate About Luck vs. Skill

Many people debate whether "luck" is truly random or whether skill and preparation contribute to seemingly fortunate outcomes. Some argue that "luck" is simply recognizing opportunities and making the most of them.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "luck" in? (e.g., a story, a conversation, an essay?)
  • Are you trying to use "luck" in a specific way? (e.g., emphasizing chance, or suggesting preparedness?)

Synonyms for the word luck

Idioms of the word luck

any luck?
(informal)used to ask somebody if they have been successful with something
  • ‘Any luck?’ ‘No, they're all too busy to help.’
as luck would have it
in the way that chance decides what will happen
  • As luck would have it, the train was late.
bad, hard, etc. luck (on somebody)
used to express sympathy for somebody
  • Bad luck, Helen, you played very well.
  • It's hard luck on him that he wasn't chosen.
  • What rotten luck it had to happen now!
be down on your luck
(informal)to have no money because of a period of bad luck
  • In the movie they play two jazz musicians who are down on their luck.
the best of luck (with something) | good luck (with something)
(informal)used to wish somebody success with something
  • The best of luck with your exams.
  • Good luck! I hope it goes well.
  • ‘I'm going to try giving up social media for a year.’ ‘Good luck with that (= I don't think you will succeed).’
better luck next time
(informal)used to encourage somebody who has not been successful at something
  • Never mind— better luck next time.
  • If you didn't win a prize, better luck next time.
for luck
because you believe it will bring you good luck, or because this is a traditional belief
  • Take something blue. It's for luck.
  • I always carry it with me, just for luck.
(informal)for no particular reason
  • I gave the mixture one more stir for luck.
good luck to somebody
(informal)used to say that you do not mind what somebody does as it does not affect you, but you hope they will be successful
  • It's not something I would care to try myself but if she wants to, good luck to her.
hard luck
(British English)used to tell somebody that you feel sorry for them
  • ‘Failed again, I'm afraid.’ ‘Oh, hard luck.’
just my/somebody’s luck
(informal)used to show you are not surprised something bad has happened to you, because you are not often lucky
  • Just my luck to arrive after they had left.
  • Just my luck to get the broken chair!
your/somebody’s luck is in
used to say that somebody has been lucky or successful
  • On a Sunday I didn’t expect to find him at his desk but my luck was in.
the luck of the draw
the fact that chance decides something, in a way that you cannot control
  • To a large extent the life you have depends on who your parents were; it’s just the luck of the biological draw.
no such luck
used to show that you are disappointed because something you were hoping for did not happen
  • ‘Were you chosen for the team?’ ‘No such luck!’
pot luck
when you take pot luck, you choose something or go somewhere without knowing very much about it, but hope that it will be good, pleasant, etc.
  • It's pot luck whether you get good advice or not.
  • You're welcome to stay to supper, but you'll have to take pot luck (= eat whatever is available).
push your luck | push it/things
(informal)to take a risk because you have successfully avoided problems in the past
  • You didn't get caught last time, but don't push your luck!
tough luck
used to show sympathy for somebody that something bad that has happened to
  • ‘I failed by one point.’ ‘That's tough luck.’
(ironic)used to show that you do not feel sorry for somebody who has a problem
  • ‘If you take the car, I won't be able to go out.’ ‘Tough luck!’
try your luck (at something)
to do something that involves risk or luck, hoping to succeed
  • My grandparents emigrated to Canada to try their luck there.
worse luck!
(British English, informal)used to show that you are disappointed about something
  • I shall have to miss the party, worse luck!

Practice with vocabulary luck

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Winning the prestigious grant requires not only a groundbreaking proposal but also a significant amount of good ____.
  2. Her rise to the top was not attributed to mere ____, but to consistent hard work and strategic networking.
  3. Despite meticulous preparation, the success of the new product launch always involves an element of ____ beyond our control.
  4. The unexpected market downturn presented a unique ____ for agile startups to innovate and gain market share.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. When a highly improbable but positive outcome occurs, often without direct effort or planning, it is frequently attributed to: a) diligence b) luck c) acumen d) fortune e) happenstance

  2. Which of these expressions implies wishing someone a favorable outcome, often in a situation with uncertain results? a) Break a leg! b) Good riddance! c) More power to you! d) Best of luck! e) Fingers crossed!

  3. Which word describes an unexpected but fortunate discovery made while looking for something else? a) fortuity b) serendipity c) coincidence d) destiny

  4. The manager believed the project's unexpected success was less about meticulous strategy and more about a propitious set of circumstances. What word best captures this idea? a) foresight b) serendipity c) providence d) luck e) acumen

  5. The ability to execute complex tasks effectively, often acquired through training and experience, is known as: a) aptitude b) proficiency c) intuition d) chance

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The team's unexpected win in the competition was largely due to several unforeseen favorable events during the final round. (Rewrite using "luck" or a related word form.)
  2. She managed to secure the last available spot in the highly competitive program, despite applying at the last minute. (Rewrite using "luck" or a related word form.)
  3. The successful outcome of the experiment was a direct result of the meticulous planning and precise execution by the research assistants. (Rewrite, but do not use "luck" or any related word forms.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. luck
  2. merit (or skill, effort)
  3. luck
  4. opportunity (or challenge, advantage)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) luck, d) fortune, e) happenstance
  2. a) Break a leg!, d) Best of luck!, e) Fingers crossed!
  3. b) serendipity
  4. b) serendipity, c) providence, d) luck
  5. a) aptitude, b) proficiency

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The team's unexpected win in the competition was largely due to a string of good luck during the final round. (or: The team was quite lucky to win the competition, thanks to several unforeseen favorable events during the final round.)
  2. She was incredibly lucky to secure the last available spot in the highly competitive program, despite applying at the last minute.
  3. The successful outcome of the experiment was a direct result of the meticulous planning and precise execution by the research assistants, not by happenstance. (or: not by coincidence / not by chance.)

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