Lack vs. Luck: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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."
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.
In summary, while both words are part of everyday language, lack denotes absence or insufficiency, whereas luck is about chance events, good or bad.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Definition
Absence or deficiency of something
A force that brings good or bad events by chance
Part of Speech
Can be both a noun and a verb
Primarily a noun
Connotations
Generally negative (insufficiency)
Can be positive or negative
Example Usage
"She lacks motivation."
"He has bad luck."
Related Phrases
"Lack of interest", "Without lacking"
"Good luck", "Down on one's luck"
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Lack and Luck Definitions
Lack
Not having a usual or expected amount.
They lack funds for the project.
Luck
The force causing events to happen by chance and not by human action.
His sheer luck got him through.
Lack
The state of being without or not having enough of something.
There's a lack of enthusiasm in the team.
Luck
Chance or probability.
It's just the luck of the draw.
Lack
A particular deficiency or absence.
His lack of experience shows.
Luck
An unknown and unpredictable force that leads to a favorable outcome.
With a little luck, we'll win.
Lack
To be without or in need of
Lacked the strength to lift the box.
Luck
Events beyond control regarded as determined by chance.
They had bad luck all year.
Lack
To be short of or free from.
The report lacks accuracy.
Luck
The chance happening of fortunate or adverse events; fortune
They met one day out of pure luck.
Lack
Deficiency or absence
Lack of funding brought the project to a halt.
Luck
Good fortune or prosperity; success
We wish you luck.
Lack
A particular deficiency or absence
Owing to a lack of supporters, the reforms did not succeed.
Luck
One's personal fate or lot
It was just my luck to win a trip I couldn't take.
Lack
To be missing or deficient
We suspected that he was lying, but proof was lacking.
Luck
To gain success or something desirable by chance
Lucked into a good apartment.
Lucked out in finding that rare book.
Lack
To be in need of something
She does not lack for friends.
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.
Lack
A deficiency or need (of something desirable or necessary); an absence, want.
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.
Lack
(obsolete) A defect or failing; moral or spiritual degeneracy.
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.
Lack
(transitive) To be without, to need, to require.
My life lacks excitement.
Luck
The results of a random number generator.
Lack
(intransitive) To be short (of or for something).
He'll never lack for company while he's got all that money.
Luck
To find something through good fortune; used with into, on, onto or upon.
Lack
To be in want.
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.
Lack
(obsolete) To see the deficiency in (someone or something); to find fault with, to malign, reproach.
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
Lack
Blame; cause of blame; fault; crime; offense.
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
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.
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
Lack
To blame; to find fault with.
Love them and lakke them not.
Luck
Good fortune or success.
She has the luck of the Irish.
Lack
To be without or destitute of; to want; to need.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.
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.
Lack
To be in want.
The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger.
Lack
Exclamation of regret or surprise.
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
Lack
Be without;
This soup lacks salt
There is something missing in my jewellery box!
Lack
To be missing or deficient in.
She lacks the necessary skills.
FAQs
Is luck always positive?
No, luck can be either good or bad depending on the context.
What's the opposite of bad luck?
Good luck.
If a product is missing a feature, can I say it lacks it?
Yes, you can say the product "lacks" that feature.
Can lack be used as a verb?
Yes, for example: "He lacks confidence."
What does lack mean in a sentence?
Lack refers to an absence or shortage of something.
What's a synonym for lack?
A synonym could be "shortage" or "deficiency."
If I don't have money, do I lack money or luck money?
You lack money.
Is "beginner's luck" about skills?
No, it's about someone succeeding at something due to luck rather than skill or experience.
Is "pushing one's luck" about exerting effort?
No, it means taking greater risks or taking advantage of a situation more than one should.
Is there a verb form for luck?
No, luck is primarily used as a noun.
Can luck be influenced by actions?
While people often try to influence outcomes, luck by definition is due to chance and not direct actions.
Does lack always have a negative connotation?
Mostly, since it implies an absence or insufficiency.
Does lack always indicate a complete absence?
No, lack can also suggest not having enough of something.
Can someone give luck to another person?
Not literally, but phrases like "wish you luck" express a desire for someone to experience good fortune.
If I'm not understanding a topic, can I say I lack understanding?
Yes, that would be a correct usage.
What does "trying one's luck" mean?
It means to attempt something in the hope of a favorable outcome, even if it's uncertain.
Can you lack multiple things at once?
Yes, for example: "She lacks patience and understanding."
Does "down on one's luck" mean feeling unlucky?
Yes, it means experiencing a period of bad fortune or difficulty.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
