Word
jinx
US/ˈdʒɪŋks/
UK/dʒˈɪŋks/
Countable noun Informal
Definition
n. a person or thing that brings bad luck. You might say this when you think talking about a good thing will make it go wrong.
n. a person, object, or influence believed to bring bad luck. Often used in casual contexts to describe a perceived pattern of misfortune.
Examples
“I don't want to talk about the game yet because I might jinx it.”
“The team refused to mention the trophy before the final, fearing it would be a jinx.”
“Superstitious actors often treat the name of the 'Scottish Play' as a jinx, preferring to refer to it by its euphemism to avoid inviting disaster to the production.”
Examples
simple
“I don't want to talk about the game yet because I might jinx it.”
contextual
“The team refused to mention the trophy before the final, fearing it would be a jinx.”
complex
“Superstitious actors often treat the name of the 'Scottish Play' as a jinx, preferring to refer to it by its euphemism to avoid inviting disaster to the production.”
Usage
Commonly used as a singular noun with 'a' or 'the'.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/jinx