Tough luck Meaning in English
expression
ˈtəf/ /ˈɫək
TUHF LUK
tˈʌf/ /lˈʌk
TUHF LUK
Definition
This expression is used to say that someone has had bad luck, often in an unsympathetic or slightly teasing way.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and sometimes dismissive; may sound unsympathetic or teasing. Used when someone faces misfortune, often as 'Well, tough luck!' or just 'Tough luck.' Avoid if you want to show real sympathy.
Spanish: mala suertePortuguese (BR): azar - que azarPortuguese (PT): azar - má sorteChinese (Simplified): 倒霉 - 不走运Chinese (Traditional): 倒楣 - 不走運Hindi: बुरी किस्मतArabic: حظ سيئBengali: দুর্ভাগ্য - কপাল খারাপRussian: не повезло - вот неудачаJapanese: 運が悪いね - ついてないねVietnamese: xui xẻo - đen đủiKorean: 운이 없네 - 운이 안 좋았네Turkish: kötü şans - talihsizlikUrdu: برا نصیب - قسمت خرابIndonesian: sial - apes
Example Sentences
Sorry, but that's tough luck.
basic
He missed the bus again—tough luck!
basic
No tickets left? Tough luck.
basic
You forgot your umbrella and now it's raining? Well, tough luck!
natural
He trained hard but still lost the race—tough luck this time.
natural
If you wanted an apology from him, tough luck—he never says sorry.
natural