Words / B1

LUK-il-ee/ˈlʌkɪli/

Luckily means because of good luck; it is lucky that. Lucky is the adjective (already in the dictionary). Fortunately is a close twin, a little more formal. Unluckily / unfortunately are opposites. Listening tests: luckily the backup paper arrived.

Meaning

Because of good luck; it is lucky that.

Examples

• “Luckily the backup paper arrived before the listening test.”
• “Luckily is a sentence adverb — comma after it is common in news.”

Good to know

Luckily, + clause. Adjective: lucky. Close: fortunately. Opposite: unfortunately. Exam logistics. Not “lucky, the paper arrived” in careful prose.

Near in meaning

fortunately

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