tough luck

idiom

informal

—used in speech to show sympathy for someone who has failed or has been disappointed

You lost your job? Oh, tough luck.

—often used in an ironic way to show that one does not feel sympathy for someone

"I need more time to finish the job." "Tough luck. You knew the job was supposed to be done by today."

Examples of tough luck in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Game 1: Royals snap losing streak with 4-1 win over Marlins Game 2: Royals bullpen spoils Seth Lugo’s marvelous start against Marlins Here are more notable aspects of Wednesday’s game: Another quality start for Brady Singer Singer was the latest Royals starter to receive a bit of tough luck. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2024

Fierce headwinds for Tesla That’s tough luck for Musk’s detractors, such as early Tesla investor and onetime board director Steve Westly, who otherwise would have the perfect opportunity to topple the CEO from his perch. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 7 June 2024

Carter’s first interception involved tough luck as the ball was tipped at the line. —Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2023

Ilkay Gungodan is not having much luck in Blaugrana so far Returning to the first XI for the first time since picking up a first half knock against Real Madrid in Arlington, Texas a fortnight ago, the ex-Manchester City captain's tough luck continued. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 13 Aug. 2023

And if a young worker dies and leaves small children, tough luck. —Tom Margenau, Dallas News, 13 Aug. 2023