out of luck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of luck" is an idiomatic expression that is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that someone is not likely to get what they are hoping for due to bad luck. For example: "I wanted to get tickets to the show, but I guess I'm out of luck - they're already sold out!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Ledbetter was out of luck.

The New Yorker

Vann was out of luck.

The New Yorker

You're shit out of luck.

The New Yorker

You are out of luck.

The New York Times

Every other country is out of luck.

The New York Times

If so, they're out of luck.

The New York Times

But then, you're out of luck.

The New York Times

We were out of luck.

The New York Times

They were out of luck.

The Guardian - Opinion

But they're out of luck.

The Guardian

Now she's out of luck.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "out of luck" to convey a sense of disappointment or misfortune when someone's desired outcome is unlikely due to circumstances beyond their control.

Common error

Avoid using "out of luck" in highly formal or professional settings. While widely understood, it can sound too casual; opt for a more formal alternative like "unfortunate" or "without opportunity" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of luck" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that the subject is experiencing a temporary misfortune or is unlikely to achieve a desired outcome. Ludwig examples show its use in describing situations where opportunities are missed or desired outcomes are unattainable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "out of luck" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where someone is experiencing a temporary misfortune or is unlikely to achieve a desired outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it may be too informal for highly formal or professional settings. For such contexts, alternatives like "unfortunate" or "without opportunity" are more appropriate. The phrase is very common, with numerous examples demonstrating its usage across various authoritative sources. When using the expression, it's crucial to consider the formality of the situation and choose alternatives accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shit out of luck

A stronger, more vulgar version of the original phrase.

having no such luck

Expresses disappointment that something desired will not happen.

down on your luck

Describes a period of misfortune, implying it may be temporary.

having no chance

Focuses on the absence of opportunity rather than misfortune.

unfortunate

Indicates a state of bad luck; it's a single-word adjective instead of a phrase.

up a creek without a paddle

An idiom suggesting being in a difficult situation without the means to resolve it; more figurative.

in a bad way

Describes a difficult or unfavorable situation; less specific about luck.

in dire straits

Emphasizes a severe or desperate situation, often implying a lack of options.

left wanting

Focuses on the unfulfilled desire or need, rather than the lack of opportunity.

ill-fated

Suggests a destiny of misfortune; more dramatic and less common.

FAQs

How can I use "out of luck" in a sentence?

You can use "out of luck" to describe a situation where someone is unlikely to get what they want due to unfortunate circumstances. For example, "If you were hoping to get that concert ticket, you're "out of luck"; they sold out quickly."

What is a more formal alternative to "out of luck"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "unfortunate", "without opportunity", or "regrettably unsuccessful" instead of "out of luck". These alternatives maintain a professional tone while conveying a similar meaning.

Is "out of luck" appropriate for business writing?

While "out of luck" is widely understood, it's generally too informal for business writing. Opt for more professional phrases such as "unfortunately unavailable" or "regrettably, we are unable to proceed".

What's the difference between "out of luck" and "down on your luck"?

"Out of luck" generally refers to a specific instance of misfortune, while "down on your luck" describes a longer period of general hardship. You might be "out of luck" if you miss a bus, but "down on your luck" if you've been unemployed for months.