Difference Wiki

Luck vs. Fortune: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Published on November 16, 2023
Luck refers to chance events or circumstances, while fortune can mean either chance events or a large amount of wealth or prosperity.

Key Differences

Luck is a momentary event or series of events seen as occurring by chance. Fortune, meanwhile, can be long-term luck or refer to someone's overall condition in life, especially concerning wealth.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Luck often implies an unpredictable and uncontrollable force affecting one's outcomes, be they good or bad. Fortune, while also related to unpredictability, leans more towards destiny or fate.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Luck can be either good or bad, depending on the outcome. Fortune, on the other hand, usually implies a favorable outcome or a substantial amount of wealth or success.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Luck is generally viewed as fleeting, affecting specific instances. Fortune may influence a broader scope of one's life, shaping an individual's overall circumstances.
Sara Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Phrases like "push your luck" emphasize chance, while "fortune favors the bold" suggests destiny or fate combined with effort.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Function

Chance events
Chance events or wealth
Sumera Saeed
Nov 16, 2023

Connotation

Can be positive or negative
Often positive or referring to wealth
Sumera Saeed
Nov 16, 2023

Duration

Momentary or short-term
Can be long-term
Sumera Saeed
Nov 16, 2023

Control

Unpredictable and uncontrollable
Can be seen as destiny or fate
Aimie Carlson
Nov 16, 2023

Use in Expressions

"Bad luck," "Luck of the draw"
"Fortune favors the bold," "Amass a fortune"
Sumera Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Luck and Fortune Definitions

Luck

The force that causes things to happen by chance.
Winning the lottery was sheer luck.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023

Fortune

A large sum of money or valuable possessions.
She inherited a large fortune.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023

Luck

An unknown and unpredictable phenomenon.
They met by luck in the park.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023

Fortune

The outcome or future of someone or something.
The fortune of the village rested on the harvest.
Janet White
Oct 31, 2023

Luck

A successful outcome from chance.
With some luck, we'll finish on time.
Janet White
Oct 31, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Fortune

Luck, especially good luck.
He made his fortune in real estate.
Sara Rehman
Oct 31, 2023

Luck

Good fortune or prosperity.
They had the luck to escape injury.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 31, 2023

Fortune

Fate or destiny.
They believed it was their fortune to be together.
Sara Rehman
Oct 31, 2023

Luck

Favorable or auspicious circumstance.
His project succeeded with a bit of luck.
Harlon Moss
Oct 31, 2023

Fortune

A prediction or prophecy.
The fortune teller predicted great success for him.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023

Luck

The chance happening of fortunate or adverse events; fortune
They met one day out of pure luck.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023

Fortune

The chance happening of fortunate or adverse events; luck
He decided to travel, and his fortune turned for the worse.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023

Luck

Good fortune or prosperity; success
We wish you luck.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023

Fortune

Fortunes The turns of luck in the course of one's life.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023

FAQs

Is it correct to say "bad fortune?"

While not as common, it can be used but often implies a significant negative turn in life.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 16, 2023

Can effort influence one's fortune?

While fortune often refers to fate, effort and actions can shape outcomes, as in "fortune favors the bold."
Aimie Carlson
Nov 16, 2023

How do games of chance relate to luck?

They rely on luck as outcomes are unpredictable and uncontrollable.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 16, 2023

Is luck entirely out of human control?

While luck pertains to chance events, human decisions and actions can influence outcomes in many situations.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023

Can fortune refer to one's destiny?

Yes, fortune can refer to one's fate or predetermined path.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023

Can fortune be inherited?

Yes, especially when referring to wealth or property.
Sara Rehman
Nov 16, 2023

Is "luck of the draw" about fairness?

It means outcomes are determined purely by chance, without any control or bias.
Harlon Moss
Nov 16, 2023

Can one be born with bad luck?

It's a belief some hold, but luck is generally seen as unpredictable and varying.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023

Can someone be described as fortunate without wealth?

Yes, "fortunate" can refer to favorable circumstances or good luck, not just wealth.
Sara Rehman
Nov 16, 2023

Is luck tangible?

No, luck is an abstract concept referring to chance events.
Harlon Moss
Nov 16, 2023

Can one "run out of luck?"

It's an idiom meaning a streak of good luck has ended.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 16, 2023

Do all cultures view fortune similarly?

Different cultures have varied beliefs and views on destiny, luck, and fortune.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 16, 2023

How does "turn of fortune" relate to change?

It means a significant change in one's circumstances, usually for the better.
Harlon Moss
Nov 16, 2023

Is luck always positive?

No, luck can be either good or bad based on the outcome.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 16, 2023

Can someone "make their own fortune?"

Yes, it means someone can shape their destiny or accumulate wealth through effort.
Harlon Moss
Nov 16, 2023

How is "lucky charm" related to luck?

A "lucky charm" is an item believed to bring good luck to its holder.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 16, 2023

Can one's fortune change quickly?

Yes, especially when referring to rapidly changing circumstances or sudden wealth.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 16, 2023

Is there a connection between luck and superstition?

Yes, many superstitions revolve around attracting good luck or warding off bad luck.
Harlon Moss
Nov 16, 2023

How is a "fortune cookie" related to fortune?

A "fortune cookie" contains a slip with a prediction or piece of wisdom, suggesting a glimpse into one's fortune.
Harlon Moss
Nov 16, 2023

What's the origin of "a stroke of good fortune?"

It means a significant or unexpected event of good luck or prosperity.
Sara Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira 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.

Trending Comparisons

Popular Comparisons

New Comparisons