lack of fortune

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of fortune" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a lack of financial success or a misfortune in life. Example: After losing his job, he soon realized that his lack of fortune had taken a toll on his family.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Eddie Howe could justifiably bemoan a lack of fortune in that opening concession, which served to puncture local optimism whipped up by 40 minutes of parity.

The Guardian - Sport

To date, arguably only Ronaldo – hampered as he was by a knee injury – of the stellar forward contingent has failed to illuminate consistently in front of goal, his lack of fortune against Ghana on Thursday indicative of his tournament.

The Guardian - Sport

Fashion editors staged photo shoots at Dawnridge, the shoestring-baroque estate in Beverly Hills where Mr. Duquette lived with his wife, Elizabeth, a fellow artist whose shy, retiring nature and lack of fortune failed to impress Lady Mendl, the legendary decorator.

The New York Times

Locals joke that their fortune is due to the lack of fortune in Jordan -- it is one of the few countries in the Middle East without oil.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But the lack of good fortune seemed to sap Newcastle's confidence as, in very hot temperatures 1,800 miles from home, their energy levels dropped along with their creativity.

BBC

Its supporters say such an organization is still needed because small businesses lack the clout of Fortune 500 companies that use Washington-based lobbyists to make their ideas known.

Los Angeles Times

"We've played very well in some games in the Champions League, not so well in the Premier League, albeit we've lacked a bit of fortune which could have made a difference.

BBC

His lack of fame and fortune did not seem to inhibit him; he was a big and unusual fish in this small pond.

The New York Times

Mr. Kurvilla is concerned with entrapment and survival, the compromises of marriage and the role of women, the futility of banking on fame, the tedium of lacking fortune.

The New York Times

Q: A lack of recognition that good fortune may also play a role in their lives?

Harvard University

Houses are projections of taste and means, or the lack of them, and signify fortunes made and lost — the ebb and flow of capital from generation to generation, place to place, line to line.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lack of fortune", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to financial misfortune, general bad luck, or a combination of both. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "lack of fortune" can sometimes sound melodramatic in formal or business writing. Consider more direct alternatives like "financial difficulties" or "economic hardship" for a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of fortune" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, denoting the state of not having good luck or financial success. Ludwig AI validates its correctness in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of fortune" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a state of misfortune or absence of financial success. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's valid in English, though somewhat infrequent. Its usage is most common in news and media, and encyclopedic contexts, with a neutral to formal register. When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning and consider more direct alternatives like "financial difficulties" in professional settings. While grammatically correct, remember that "lack of fortune" can sometimes sound melodramatic in formal or business writing, so choose your words thoughtfully. Consider the suggestions in the related phrases and FAQ sections to clarify your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

misfortune

Replaces the entire phrase with a single-word synonym emphasizing bad luck.

ill luck

Replaces "fortune" with "luck", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

bad luck

A more common and informal way to express the absence of good fortune.

unfavorable circumstances

Shifts the focus to the situational aspects of misfortune, rather than luck itself.

adverse conditions

Similar to "unfavorable circumstances", but often implies a more challenging or difficult situation.

hardship

Highlights the difficulties and suffering caused by a lack of fortune.

destitution

Focuses specifically on the lack of financial resources and extreme poverty.

poverty

Indicates a general state of lacking sufficient money or material possessions.

financial difficulties

Directly addresses the monetary aspect of a lack of fortune.

economic hardship

Similar to "financial difficulties", but may also include broader societal or regional economic challenges.

FAQs

How can I use "lack of fortune" in a sentence?

You can use "lack of fortune" to describe someone experiencing hardship or bad luck. For instance, "Due to a "lack of fortune", the family struggled to make ends meet".

What's a more formal alternative to "lack of fortune"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "financial difficulties" or "economic hardship". These alternatives provide a more direct and professional tone.

Is it better to say "lack of fortune" or "bad luck"?

The choice depends on the context. "Bad luck" is more informal and general, while "lack of fortune" often implies a more significant or prolonged period of misfortune, particularly in financial terms. "Misfortune" can work in both formal and informal contexts.

What are some common causes of a "lack of fortune"?

A "lack of fortune" can stem from various factors, including job loss, unexpected expenses, economic downturns, or "ill luck" in investments. It generally refers to a series of unfortunate events impacting one's well-being.