unlucky break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unlucky break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unfortunate event or circumstance that negatively impacts someone, often unexpectedly. Example: "Losing my job right before the holidays felt like an unlucky break, but I’m determined to find a new opportunity soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It wasn't just an unlucky break.

The New York Times

Valencia's unlucky break in the fall could turn into United's advantage now.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's just an unlucky break and that's just the hockey gods smiling back at us," Dubinsky said.

The New York Times - Sports

In the course of a mini-monologue, Zito can sound like a railbird who was one unlucky break from cashing a big ticket.

The New York Times - Sports

They regard the Greek crackup as a freakish, unlucky break, even though this sort of thing is a typical feature of a financial crisis.

The New York Times

"I caught a lucky break here and an unlucky break there, but I am making a living doing what I want to do". he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

— The PGA Tour is a place where unlucky breaks and honest reckoning intersect.

The New York Times - Sports

Nobel Prize winning economist Bengt Holmstrom pointed out that executives needn't be rewarded (or punished) for lucky (or unlucky) breaks that impact firm performance (Holmstrom, 1979).

Harvard University

"And I'm sure you're a very good mother as well .Perhaps Mr Lazio could never have overcome two unlucky breaks.

The Economist

Although the team's record during that streak was only 1-2-2, it could have easily been significantly better if not for some fatigue/injuries (the 1-0 loss to Real Salt Lake), unlucky breaks (Wilman Conde of the Red Bulls scoring the goal of his life), and unexplainable refereeing (what up, Mark Geiger).

The Guardian - Sport

They will be highly expensive, and unlucky health breaks will be all the more tragic because not everyone will be able to afford the best treatments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unlucky break" to describe a specific instance of misfortune or an unexpected setback, particularly when something was going well or had the potential to succeed. For instance, you may use it to refer to a sports injury of a player during an important match.

Common error

Avoid using "unlucky break" for situations that are inherently predictable or the result of negligence. The phrase implies an element of chance or unexpectedness, not a foreseeable consequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unlucky break" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a specific instance of misfortune or an unfortunate event, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unlucky break" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe an unfortunate event or setback. Ludwig AI confirms that it is commonly used in contexts such as News & Media and Sports. While there are many alternatives, like "bad luck" or "misfortune", "unlucky break" carries a specific sense of an interruption or setback. Remember to use it for situations that genuinely involve an element of chance and avoid it for predictable outcomes. When writing, be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase aligns with the severity of the situation you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bad luck

This is a more general term for misfortune, lacking the specific sense of a 'break' or interruption in fortune.

stroke of bad luck

Highlights the sudden and impactful nature of the misfortune.

misfortune

A general term for bad luck or adverse events.

unfortunate incident

This phrase emphasizes the event itself as being unfortunate, rather than focusing on the bad luck experienced.

hard knock

Suggests a difficult experience or setback, often in a learning context.

setback

A more formal and neutral term for a temporary obstruction or reversal.

tough luck

Implies a lack of sympathy or possibility for change, often used informally.

unfavorable circumstance

A more formal and descriptive way of referring to a negative situation.

accident

Emphasizes the unexpected and unintentional nature of the event.

rough patch

Indicates a difficult period of time, rather than a single event.

FAQs

How can I use "unlucky break" in a sentence?

You can use "unlucky break" to describe an unfortunate event that interrupts progress or causes a setback. For example: "Losing my job was an "unlucky break", but I'm determined to find something better."

What are some alternatives to saying "unlucky break"?

Alternatives to "unlucky break" include "bad luck", "unfortunate incident", or "setback". The best choice depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'lucky break' and 'unlucky break'?

Yes, both "lucky break" and "unlucky break" are correct. "Lucky break" refers to a fortunate event, while "unlucky break" refers to an unfortunate one.

What's the difference between "unlucky break" and "misfortune"?

"Unlucky break" typically refers to a specific, often sudden, instance of bad luck or interruption of progress. "Misfortune" is a more general term encompassing a wider range of unfortunate events or circumstances.