Unlucky Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Cultural Beliefs

• In many cultures, the number 13 is considered unlucky, leading to superstitions like avoiding 13 guests at a dinner or not having a 13th floor in buildings.
• Black cats crossing your path are seen as unlucky in some cultures, while in others, they’re considered good luck.
• Breaking a mirror is often said to bring seven years of bad luck, demonstrating how objects can be linked to fortune.

Literature

• In Shakespeare's works, unlucky events often foreshadow tragedy, illustrating how fate can determine outcomes.
• Charles Dickens' characters are frequently embroiled in unlucky circumstances, highlighting social issues and personal struggles.
• The trope of the 'unlucky hero' appears in many stories, showcasing the journey of overcoming bad luck to achieve success.

Psychology

• Research shows that when people feel unlucky, they often perceive events more negatively, reinforcing their belief in bad luck.
• The concept of a 'self-fulfilling prophecy' suggests that believing one is unlucky can lead to making choices that reinforce this belief.
• It’s noted that people tend to focus on negative outcomes more than positive ones, which can create a mindset of chronic misfortune.

Pop Culture

• Films and songs often portray unlucky characters as relatable, playing on themes of struggle and defiance against the odds.
• The TV show 'Lucky Number Slevin' plays with the idea of luck, highlighting how characters navigate their unlucky circumstances.
• In video games, players may face 'unlucky' outcomes like unexpected failures, which can enhance the thrill of gameplay and story.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'unlucky' comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not', and 'lucky', which means having good luck.
• It has been used in the English language since at least the 16th century, reflecting a longstanding fascination with the concept of luck.
• The term often relies on cultural beliefs regarding fate, fortune, and the supernatural influence on human affairs.

The word 'unlucky' originated in the late 15th century from the combination of 'un-' (meaning 'not') and 'lucky' (meaning 'having good fortune'). The concept of luck has been a part of human culture for centuries, with various superstitions and beliefs surrounding good and bad luck. The idea of being unlucky carries with it a sense of fate or fortune that is beyond one's control.

See also: luck, luckily, lucky, unluckily.

At position #14,767, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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