What does luckier mean?
“Luckier” is the comparative form of the adjective lucky, meaning more fortunate, more successful, or more favorably placed than someone or something else. It can modify people, results, breaks of fortune, and developments: a contestant may be luckier than a rival, while a later turn of events may prove luckier. The word normally presupposes a comparison, so it often appears in constructions such as “luckier than” or “get luckier.” “Luckier” can also serve as an adverb, particularly in phrases such as “luckier still,” although “luckily” is usually the more conventional adverb in formal and informal English alike. Its connotation is generally positive, but it can emphasize chance rather than skill, merit, or deliberate action. Because it is a comparative rather than an absolute term, it does not imply that its subject has been wholly fortunate or successful. Instead, it identifies a relative advantage, making “luckier” especially useful when comparing outcomes without claiming that one person or outcome is completely lucky.
Having, experiencing, or bringing greater good fortune or success than someone or something else.
"We were luckier with our second attempt."
This is the usual use and requires a comparison with another person, outcome, or circumstance.
With greater good fortune or success.
"Luckier still, the second attempt succeeded."
This use is less common than the adjective form; “luckily” is usually more idiomatic in sustained prose.
“Luckier” turns luck from a fixed verdict into a comparison: someone may not be lucky, but they can be luckier.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of luckier
“Luckier” is formed with the standard English comparative suffix -er added to “lucky.” “Lucky” was formed in Middle English from “luck,” meaning chance, fortune, or outcome, together with the adjective-forming suffix -y. The exact remote ancestry of “luck” is unsettled, but the family also includes related forms such as “luckless,” “unluckily,” and “unluckiness.”
Related word forms
How luckier is actually used
“Luckier” is a comparative and normally requires an implicit or explicit comparison. When used adverbially, it can sound conversational, and “luckily” is often the more idiomatic choice. There is no significant regional distinction between standard British and US usage.