dependent on luck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dependent on luck" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations or outcomes that rely on chance rather than skill or planning. Example: "Winning the lottery is entirely dependent on luck, as the odds are heavily against you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Seeing the northern lights is a truly unforgettable travel experience, but one that is largely dependent on luck.

The Guardian - Travel

Since whether one receives this training is at least to some extent beyond one's control, one's ability to live a virtuous life is deeply dependent on luck.

SEP

"I'm dependent on luck here".

The New York Times

To what extent is ITV becoming a company less dependent on luck and economic cycles it can do nothing about?

The Guardian

Looking back, I can make some sense of it, but at the time my life was all very makeshift and provisional, more dependent on luck than on planning or intent.

The New Yorker

With fixed-income securities, you're less dependent on luck or the ability of your fund manager to choose the right securities.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But making the well-being of the old dependent on the luck or skill of their stock picks or mutual-fund choices is not so good.

The New Yorker

The rise of TransTech will mean that both thriving outcomes and solving basic problems that once were considered an inner journey often dependent on willpower, luck, birth, wealth or some other special, non-measurable element, will become more objectively approached, measured, and supported.

TechCrunch

This article originally appeared on VICE UK.

Vice

He found that poker is indeed far more dependent on skill than luck, and so people such as Mr DiCristina, who run poker rooms, do not fall afoul of federal statutes that prohibit running a gambling business.Mr Weinstein found persuasive the arguments of the defense's key witness, Randal Heeb, an economic analyst and poker player.

The Economist

For decades the task of identifying emerging football talent has been considered an art rather than a science, exclusively the preserve of wise old pros and sharp-eyed scouts and dependent on a large slice of luck.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dependent on luck", ensure that the context clearly indicates a lack of control or predictability. For instance, "The success of the experiment is largely dependent on luck, as unforeseen variables could significantly impact the results."

Common error

Avoid using "dependent on luck" when skill or planning play a significant role. Instead of saying "His success was entirely dependent on luck", consider "While luck played a part, his hard work was crucial."

How to use

Learn how to use "dependent on luck" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dependent on luck" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the outcome or result is greatly influenced by chance or fortune, rather than skill or planning. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase indicates a reliance on chance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dependent on luck" effectively conveys that an outcome is largely determined by chance, not skill or planning. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and readily usable in English. While interchangeable alternatives like "subject to chance" and "reliant on fortune" exist, choosing "dependent on luck" is most apt when highlighting the uncertainty and lack of control. The usage is most common in News & Media and, while grammatically sound, should be employed judiciously to avoid undermining the significance of skill or effort when these factors genuinely influence an outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

down to luck

This short alternative places direct emphasis on the role of chance.

subject to chance

This alternative emphasizes the role of unpredictable events.

predicated on chance

Highlights that the outcome is based on unpredictable events.

reliant on fortune

This phrase highlights the influence of good or bad luck.

determined by happenstance

Focuses on unplanned and accidental events shaping the outcome.

conditional on fortune

Highlights that the outcome requires favorable luck as a condition.

contingent on serendipity

Focuses on fortunate accidental discoveries or events.

vulnerable to luck

Highlights the potential for negative impacts if luck is unfavorable.

at the mercy of luck

Emphasizes a lack of control over the outcome.

governed by fate

Implies a predetermined and unchangeable course.

FAQs

How can I use "dependent on luck" in a sentence?

Use "dependent on luck" to describe situations where the outcome relies heavily on chance. For example, "Finding a parking spot downtown is often dependent on luck."

What's a good alternative to "dependent on luck"?

Alternatives include "subject to chance", "reliant on fortune", or "down to luck", each emphasizing a different aspect of chance.

Is it better to say "dependent on luck" or "reliant on luck"?

Both "dependent on luck" and "reliant on luck" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, though "dependent" might suggest a stronger reliance.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "dependent on luck"?

It's suitable when discussing events or outcomes where chance is a primary factor, such as games of chance, unpredictable natural events, or situations with many uncontrollable variables. For example, “Winning the lottery is entirely "dependent on luck"”.