How Do You Spell HARD LUCK?

Pronunciation: [hˈɑːd lˈʌk] (IPA)

The phrase "hard luck" is commonly used to express sympathy or commiseration towards someone who has had unfortunate or difficult circumstances in their life. The spelling of this phrase can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /hɑrd lʌk/. The "hard" sound is represented by the phoneme /h/ followed by the long "a" sound represented by /ɑ/. The word "luck" is spelled with the phoneme /l/ followed by the short "u" sound represented by /ʌ/ and the final "k" sound represented by /k/.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
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HARD LUCK Meaning and Definition

  1. Hard luck refers to a string of unfortunate or difficult circumstances that befall someone, often involving a series of unfortunate events or outcomes. It represents a situation where someone experiences a prolonged period of bad luck or misfortune, resulting in difficulties, disappointments, or setbacks.

    Hard luck can manifest in various forms, including financial, emotional, or physical challenges. Financially, it may involve repeated financial setbacks such as loss of income, bankruptcy, or inability to find stable employment. Emotionally, it can encompass repeated personal disappointments, heartbreaks, or difficulties in relationships. Physically, it may entail a series of health issues, accidents, or injuries that impede one's well-being.

    This expression often implies that the individual has experienced more misfortune than is typically expected and can evoke sympathy or empathy from others. People who have experienced hard luck may encounter obstacles in achieving their goals or face constant setbacks in various aspects of their lives. Consequently, they may feel powerless or discouraged due to their continuous run of misfortune.

    The term "hard luck" can also be used colloquially to describe a person who consistently encounters adversity, even if it is not to an extreme degree. It signifies a pattern of experiencing more challenges or setbacks compared to others, regardless of the severity of the issues faced.

Common Misspellings for HARD LUCK

Etymology of HARD LUCK

The etymology of the phrase "hard luck" can be traced back to the mid-19th century. The word "hard" in this context means difficult or challenging, while "luck" refers to chance or fortune. The phrase is believed to have originated in gambling circles, where it described the misfortune or bad luck experienced by a player. Over time, "hard luck" came to be used more broadly to express sympathy or commiseration for someone facing unfortunate circumstances or bad fortune.

Idioms with the word HARD LUCK

  • (that's) your hard luck The idiom "(that's) your hard luck" is an expression used to convey sympathy or consolation to someone for their misfortune or unfortunate situation. It implies that the individual's bad luck or unfavorable circumstances are solely their own and there is no one to blame except themselves.
  • hard luck! An expression of sympathy or commiseration for someone who has experienced misfortune or bad luck.
  • hard luck/lines Hard luck/lines is an expression used to sympathize or express commiseration toward someone who has experienced unfortunate or difficult circumstances.