luck

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another

   Bad luck caused my downfall.

2. 2
   noun

   an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that leads to a favorable outcome

   it was my good luck to be there

3. 3
   noun

   Something that happens to someone by chance, a chance occurrence.

   The raffle is just a matter of luck.

4. 4
   noun

   A superstitious feeling that brings fortune or success.

   He blew on the dice for luck.

5. 5
   noun

   Success.

   I tried for ages to find a pair of blue suede shoes, but didn't have any luck.

6. 6
   noun

   The results of a random number generator.

   The creators of tool-assisted speedruns often manipulate luck to get the most favorable results in order to save the most time.

7. 7
   verb

   To find something through good fortune; used with into, on, onto or upon.

   I lucked upon a seat, settled in, nodded off and 20 minutes later heard my name being called by the admitting nurse.

8. 8
   noun

   your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

Etymology

From Middle English luk, lukke, related to Old Frisian luk (“luck”), West Frisian gelok (“luck”), Saterland Frisian Gluk (“luck”), Dutch geluk (“luck, happiness”), Low German luk (“luck”), German Glück (“luck, good fortune, happiness”), Danish lykke (“luck”), Swedish lycka (“luck”), Icelandic lukka (“luck”). According to the OED, it may be related to lock. A loanword into English in the 15th century (probably as a gambling term) from Middle Dutch luc, a shortened form of gheluc (“good fortune”), whence Modern Dutch geluk. Middle Dutch luc, gheluc has parallels with Middle High German lücke, ge…