stroke of bad luck

USAGE SUMMARY

"stroke of bad luck" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe an unfortunate or unexpected event or circumstance. Examples: 1. "After months of hard work, her presentation was ruined by a stroke of bad luck - the projector stopped working just as she was about to start." 2. "The team had been on a winning streak, but a stroke of bad luck in the last game caused them to lose the championship." 3. "I thought I had prepared enough for the exam, but a stroke of bad luck caused me to mix up two key formulas and I ended up failing." 4. "She was always careful, but one stroke of bad luck resulted in a car accident that left her with a broken leg." 5. "John had been saving up for a trip, but a stroke of bad luck in the form of a sudden job loss meant he had to postpone his plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Regardless, the injury seemed like a stroke of bad luck for the injury-ridden Mets.

The New York Times

The novelist Elizabeth Taylor's career began with a stroke of bad luck.

The New Yorker

A further stroke of bad luck prevented the appearance of part of Self's prize.

The Guardian - Books

The first time, you think: What a stroke of bad luck.

The New York Times - Magazine

One stroke of bad luck – a drought, flood or pest outbreak – and they tumble further into hardship.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were ordinary guys just like me, except they'd had a stroke of bad luck and couldn't cope.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

But in the early fifties he suffered two strokes of bad luck.

The New Yorker

"Partly this was due to several strokes of bad luck; partly it was because he was more brilliant at inventing than at business.

The New York Times - Books

Bit of bad luck, Hoggard.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's a combination of bad luck and bad management.

The New York Times

An individual case of bad luck?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stroke of bad luck", ensure it clearly refers to a single, identifiable event or circumstance. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "stroke of bad luck" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "unfortunate incident" or "tough break" to maintain reader engagement and prevent your writing from sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stroke of bad luck" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a specific instance or occurrence of misfortune, often sudden or unexpected, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stroke of bad luck" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe an unfortunate or unexpected event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. While it's prevalent in news and media, it is also suitable for general conversation, though more formal options might be preferable in academic or scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; ensure it refers to a specific event to avoid ambiguity. To prevent repetition, vary your vocabulary by incorporating synonyms like "unfortunate incident" or "tough break".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlucky break

Implies a sudden and unexpected piece of bad luck, particularly in a situation where things were otherwise going well.

tough break

Is an informal way of referring to a piece of bad luck, especially when someone is at fault.

unfortunate incident

Focuses on the event itself being unlucky without emphasizing the extent of the misfortune.

unfavorable turn of events

Highlights how a series of events have shifted negatively due to bad luck.

setback

Highlights the hindering effect of the bad luck, emphasizing the delay or obstruction it causes.

ill-fated incident

Emphasizes the predetermined nature of the bad luck, suggesting that it was destined to happen.

mishap

Suggests a minor incident of bad luck, often implying a degree of carelessness or accident.

unforeseen difficulty

Focuses on the unexpected nature of the bad luck, emphasizing that it was not anticipated.

adverse circumstance

Presents the bad luck as a situational element that negatively impacts the situation.

calamitous episode

Conveys a more serious and destructive instance of bad luck, indicating a significant negative impact.

FAQs

How can I use "stroke of bad luck" in a sentence?

You can use "stroke of bad luck" to describe an unfortunate or unexpected event. For example, "The project was going smoothly until a "stroke of bad luck" caused a critical system failure".

What are some alternatives to "stroke of bad luck"?

Alternatives include "unfortunate incident", "unlucky break", or "tough break", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to say "stroke of bad luck" or "piece of bad luck"?

"Stroke of bad luck" implies a more significant or impactful instance of misfortune compared to "piece of bad luck", although both are acceptable. The best choice depends on the specific situation and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Can "stroke of bad luck" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "stroke of bad luck" is acceptable in formal writing, although you might consider slightly more formal alternatives like "adverse circumstance" or "unfavorable turn of events" for an even more sophisticated tone.