What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fortunate
Example
I feel fortunate to have such supportive friends and family. [fortunate: adjective]
Example
She worked hard and was fortunate enough to get the job. [fortunate: adverb]
lucky
Example
I was lucky to find a parking spot right in front of the store. [lucky: adjective]
Example
He got lucky and won the lottery. [lucky: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lucky is more commonly used than fortunate in everyday language. Lucky is a more casual word that is often used in informal conversations, while fortunate is more formal and is often used in professional or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fortunate and lucky?
Fortunate is more formal than lucky and is often used in professional or academic contexts. However, both words can be used in a variety of formality levels depending on the context and tone of the conversation.