# fluke

/ˈfɫuk/ (US) · /flˈuːk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fluke
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

something good that happens by pure luck rather than skill. You use this when a success feels like a total accident.

For teachers: an accidental stroke of good luck; a chance occurrence that results in an unexpectedly positive outcome. Often carries a slightly dismissive tone regarding the subject's skill.

## Examples

- Winning the first game was a total fluke.
- The team's victory was dismissed as a fluke by critics who pointed to the opponent's sudden injuries.
- While his initial discovery was a complete fluke resulting from a mislabeled sample, his subsequent research proved that the underlying chemical reaction was both consistent and revolutionary.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the phrase 'by a fluke' or 'a total fluke'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.