fortune vs bad luck

Definitions

noun

1. an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
2. an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that leads to a favorable outcome
3. a large amount of wealth or prosperity
4. your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

Examples

She's suffered a good deal of misfortune over the years.

It is also her misfortune to have been saddled with an unappetisingly needy role.

And when the Monkeewrench crew - computer geeks who made a fortune on games, now assisting the cops with special anticrime soft-ware - are invited by the FBI to investigate a series of murder videos posted to the Web, it's not long before the group discovers the frightening link between the unlucky bride and the latest, most horrific use of the Internet yet.

View all examples

Definitions

noun

1. an unpredictable outcome that is unfortunate
2. an unfortunate state resulting from unfavorable outcomes
3. unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from an unfortunate event

Examples

BAD luck if you're a battery chicken.

Good courage breaks bad luck.

They say it's bad luck to spill salt.

View all examples