flukey
Definition
- Adjective:
- Resulting from or dependent on luck, chance, or accident; not predictable or reliable. Describes something that happens by a fortunate accident or is characterized by unpredictability.
Usage
The adjective "flukey" is used to characterize an event, outcome, or situation as lucky, accidental, or uncertain. It often carries a slightly informal tone. * It modifies nouns directly (e.g., a flukey goal, flukey conditions). * It can be used after linking verbs like "be," "seem," or "feel" (e.g., The victory felt flukey).
Examples
- The team's win was flukey; they scored from a massive deflection in the last minute.
- We had flukey weather on our hike—sunshine despite the forecast for rain.
- His success seemed rather flukey, as he was in the right place at the right time.
Advanced Usage
- "a flukey occurrence/event": Emphasizes the accidental nature of a single incident.
- Catching that rare fish was a flukey occurrence I'll never repeat.
- Used to describe conditions (e.g., wind, weather, surfaces) that are irregular and unpredictable.
- The flukey winds made sailing the course very difficult.
Variants and Related Words
- Fluky (adj.): An alternative spelling with the same meaning and usage.
- It was a fluky shot that somehow went in.
- Fluke (n.): The noun form meaning a stroke of luck or an accidental success.
- Scoring from that angle was a complete fluke.
Synonyms
- Chance: (adj.) occurring by accident.
- Accidental: happening by chance or unintentionally.
- Fortuitous: happening by a lucky chance.
- Iffy: (informal) uncertain or doubtful.
Related Idioms
- A stroke/piece of luck: A synonymous phrase for a fortunate accident.
- Finding my lost ring was a real stroke of luck.
Adjective
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subject to accident or chance or change
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a chancy appeal at best
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getting that job was definitely fluky
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a fluky wind
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an iffy proposition
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