# luckily

/ˈɫəkəɫi/ (US) · /lˈʌkili/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/luckily
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

used to say that something good happened by chance. You use it when you are glad about a situation that could have been worse.

For teachers: by good fortune or chance. Functions as a disjunct to express the speaker's positive attitude toward the event described.

## Examples

- Luckily, the rain stopped before the party started.
- I forgot my keys, but luckily my roommate was still at home to let me in.
- The driver lost control on the icy patch, but luckily the car came to a halt just inches from the safety barrier.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I luckily found my wallet." but "Luckily, I found my wallet." — While it can appear mid-sentence, it is most natural and common for this adverb to sit at the start of the sentence to modify the entire statement.

## Usage notes

- Sentence adverb — typically placed at the very beginning of a sentence followed by a comma.

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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.