Bad luck


see under run of luck
Contemporary Examples

Allen himself was the victim of bad luck as commander in Afghanistan.
Shortlist Forms to Replace Gen. John Allen as NATO Chief Nominee Eli Lake February 14, 2013

It was their bad luck that the waiting period coincided with the hottest July on record.
It’s a Boy! Kate Middleton Gives Birth to a Future King Tom Sykes July 21, 2013

With some bad luck, it could happen to Greece and Spain over the next year.
Republicans Who Threaten to Have U.S. Default on Debt Are Nihilists Robert Shapiro January 8, 2013

Later, Silajdzic told me that it was just bad luck that Milosevic showed up without warning and saw the charts.
Richard Holbrooke on the Dayton Peace Accords Richard Holbrooke December 14, 2010

All are known to drop the ball on occasion, and/or endure some bad luck.
Think American Airlines Is Rotten? You Have No Idea How Good You Have It Patrick Smith October 10, 2012

Historical Examples

Superstitious people say that the bad luck will be visited on the head of the one who wishes it.
Grace Harlowe’s First Year at Overton College Jessie Graham Flower

Why, she had a serpent set with opals she wore as a brooch, and it brought her bad luck.
The Opal Serpent Fergus Hume

Occasionally he bluffed, and got a small pot; but it was risky, as he was distinctly in a run of bad luck.
Prince Fortunatus William Black

And, indeed, you know I told you I should bring you bad luck.
Carmen Prosper Merimee

I have had bad luck at the mines, and was almost discouraged, when I learned that you were in San Francisco.
Ben’s Nugget Horatio, Jr. Alger

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