Lack vs. Luck: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on October 23, 2023
Lack refers to the absence or shortage of something, while luck pertains to the force that causes good or bad things to happen.
Key Differences
Lack and luck, though they sound similar, have different meanings and contexts of use. Lack implies a deficiency or absence of something needed or desired. On the contrary, luck is about the unpredictable force that causes events to occur, not due to one's actions or inherent qualities, but rather by chance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
When someone mentions they "lack" resources, they're stating they don't have enough of those resources or they're absent altogether. On the other hand, when someone says they had "good luck", they mean something favorable happened to them unexpectedly or without a direct cause from their actions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
Lack can be both a noun and a verb in sentences. For instance, as a noun, one might say, "There's a lack of clarity in the instructions." As a verb, it could be, "He lacks confidence." Luck, however, is primarily used as a noun, such as "With a bit of luck, we'll arrive on time."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
Another notable difference lies in their connotations. Lack often holds a negative implication because it suggests insufficiency. Luck, depending on its context, can be either positive (good luck) or negative (bad luck), indicating a result due to chance rather than deliberate action.
Harlon Moss
Oct 23, 2023
In summary, while both words are part of everyday language, lack denotes absence or insufficiency, whereas luck is about chance events, good or bad.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Primary Definition
Absence or deficiency of something
A force that brings good or bad events by chance
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
Related Phrases
"Lack of interest", "Without lacking"
"Good luck", "Down on one's luck"
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
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Lack and Luck Definitions
Luck
The force causing events to happen by chance and not by human action.
His sheer luck got him through.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Lack
The state of being without or not having enough of something.
There's a lack of enthusiasm in the team.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
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Luck
An unknown and unpredictable force that leads to a favorable outcome.
With a little luck, we'll win.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Luck
Events beyond control regarded as determined by chance.
They had bad luck all year.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Luck
The chance happening of fortunate or adverse events; fortune
They met one day out of pure luck.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Lack
A particular deficiency or absence
Owing to a lack of supporters, the reforms did not succeed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Luck
One's personal fate or lot
It was just my luck to win a trip I couldn't take.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Lack
To be missing or deficient
We suspected that he was lying, but proof was lacking.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Luck
To gain success or something desirable by chance
Lucked into a good apartment.
Lucked out in finding that rare book.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Luck
Something that happens to someone by chance, a chance occurrence, especially a favourable one.
The raffle is just a matter of luck.
Sometimes it takes a bit of luck to get success.
I couldn't believe my luck when I found a fifty dollar bill on the street.
Gilbert had some bad luck yesterday — he got pick-pocketed and lost fifty dollars.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Lack
A deficiency or need (of something desirable or necessary); an absence, want.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Luck
A superstitious feeling that brings fortune or success.
He blew on the dice for luck.
I wish you lots of luck for the exam tomorrow.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Luck
Success.
I tried for ages to find a pair of blue suede shoes, but didn't have any luck.
He has a lot of luck with the ladies, perhaps it is because of his new motorbike.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Lack
(transitive) To be without, to need, to require.
My life lacks excitement.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Lack
(intransitive) To be short (of or for something).
He'll never lack for company while he's got all that money.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Luck
To find something through good fortune; used with into, on, onto or upon.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Luck
That which happens to a person; an event, good or ill, affecting one's interests or happiness, and which is deemed casual; a course or series of such events regarded as occurring by chance; chance; hap; fate; fortune; often, one's habitual or characteristic fortune; as, good, bad, ill, or hard luck. Luck is often used by itself to mean good luck; as, luck is better than skill; a stroke of luck.
If thou dost play with him at any game,Thou art sure to lose; and of that natural luck,He beats thee 'gainst the odds.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Lack
(obsolete) To see the deficiency in (someone or something); to find fault with, to malign, reproach.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Luck
Your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you);
Whatever my fortune may be
Deserved a better fate
Has a happy lot
The luck of the Irish
A victim of circumstances
Success that was her portion
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Luck
An unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another;
Bad luck caused his downfall
We ran into each other by pure chance
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Lack
Deficiency; want; need; destitution; failure; as, a lack of sufficient food.
She swooneth now and now for lakke of blood.
Let his lack of years be no impediment.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Luck
An unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that leads to a favorable outcome;
It was my good luck to be there
They say luck is a lady
It was as if fortune guided his hand
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Lack
To be without or destitute of; to want; to need.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Lack
To be wanting; often, impersonally, with of, meaning, to be less than, short, not quite, etc.
What hour now?I think it lacks of twelve.
Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Lack
The state of needing something that is absent or unavailable;
There is a serious lack of insight into the problem
Water is the critical deficiency in desert regions
For want of a nail the shoe was lost
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Lack
Be without;
This soup lacks salt
There is something missing in my jewellery box!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
FAQs
Is luck always positive?
No, luck can be either good or bad depending on the context.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
If a product is missing a feature, can I say it lacks it?
Yes, you can say the product "lacks" that feature.
Janet White
Oct 23, 2023
What does lack mean in a sentence?
Lack refers to an absence or shortage of something.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
Is "beginner's luck" about skills?
No, it's about someone succeeding at something due to luck rather than skill or experience.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 23, 2023
Is "pushing one's luck" about exerting effort?
No, it means taking greater risks or taking advantage of a situation more than one should.
Harlon Moss
Oct 23, 2023
Can luck be influenced by actions?
While people often try to influence outcomes, luck by definition is due to chance and not direct actions.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 23, 2023
Does lack always have a negative connotation?
Mostly, since it implies an absence or insufficiency.
Sara Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Does lack always indicate a complete absence?
No, lack can also suggest not having enough of something.
Sara Rehman
Oct 23, 2023
Can someone give luck to another person?
Not literally, but phrases like "wish you luck" express a desire for someone to experience good fortune.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
If I'm not understanding a topic, can I say I lack understanding?
Yes, that would be a correct usage.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
What does "trying one's luck" mean?
It means to attempt something in the hope of a favorable outcome, even if it's uncertain.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 23, 2023
Can you lack multiple things at once?
Yes, for example: "She lacks patience and understanding."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 23, 2023
Does "down on one's luck" mean feeling unlucky?
Yes, it means experiencing a period of bad fortune or difficulty.
Janet White
Oct 23, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
