Chance vs. Luck — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 30, 2023
"Chance" refers to the possibility of something happening, often unplanned, while "luck" is the force influencing good or bad outcomes in unpredictable situations.
Difference Between Chance and Luck
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Chance" generally refers to the likelihood or probability of a particular event or outcome occurring. It often conveys a sense of randomness or unpredictability. For instance, when someone rolls a dice, the outcome of landing on a particular number is purely by chance. In contrast, "luck" implies a mysterious force that brings about good or bad outcomes, often outside of one's control. It's as if an invisible hand is guiding events in favor of or against someone.
While "chance" is more of a neutral term that doesn't necessarily infer good or bad outcomes, "luck" can be perceived as either positive or negative. One could have "good luck" or "bad luck," signifying fortunate or unfortunate circumstances. On the other hand, taking a "chance" simply means taking a risk without knowing the outcome, not necessarily expecting a positive or negative result.
In discussions about probability or statistics, "chance" is the more appropriate term to use. It's a measure of the likelihood of different outcomes. "Luck," on the other hand, is more personal and subjective, often used to explain why things happen to a particular person, be it good or bad, without a clear logical reason.
Lastly, "chance" can sometimes be influenced or calculated. For instance, in games of skill, one can improve their chances of winning by practicing. However, "luck" is inherently unpredictable, something you can't control or ensure, no matter how skilled or prepared you are.
Comparison Chart
Definition
The possibility of something happening
A force bringing good or bad outcomes
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Implication
Neutral, simply refers to likelihood
Can be either positive or negative
Usage Context
Probability, statistics, risks
Personal experiences, outcomes
Control
Can sometimes be influenced or calculated
Inherently unpredictable
Examples of Expressions
"Take a chance," "By chance"
"Good luck," "Down on his luck"
Compare with Definitions
Chance
The occurrence of events without any obvious intention or cause.
We met by chance at the grocery store.
Luck
The force causing good or bad things to happen.
She's always had good luck with investments.
Chance
The unknown and unpredictable element in happenings that seems to have no assignable cause.
Luck
Something regarded as bringing good or bad fortune.
That charm is a token of luck.
Chance
A force assumed to cause events that cannot be foreseen or controlled; luck
Chance will determine the outcome.
Luck
Fate or destiny.
With my luck, it'll probably rain during the picnic.
Chance
Often chances The likelihood of something happening; possibility or probability
Chances are good that you will win. Is there any chance of rain?.
Luck
Success or failure apparently by chance.
He's out of luck; the tickets are sold out.
Chance
An accidental or unpredictable event
"He sprang to his feet and turned to run. At the same moment by a lucky chance the moon broke through the clouds" (Arthur Conan Doyle).
Luck
Luck is the phenomenon and belief that defines the experience of notably positive, negative, or improbable events. The naturalistic interpretation is that positive and negative events may happen all the time, both due to random and non-random natural and artificial processes, and that even improbable events can happen by random chance.
Chance
A favorable set of circumstances; an opportunity
A chance to escape.
Luck
Success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own actions
They're supposed to bring good luck
It was just luck that the first kick went in
Chance
A risk or hazard; a gamble
Took a chance that the ice would hold me.
Luck
Chance to find or acquire
He lucked into a disc-jockey job
Chance
(Games) A raffle or lottery ticket.
Luck
The chance happening of fortunate or adverse events; fortune
They met one day out of pure luck.
Chance
(Baseball) An opportunity to make a putout or an assist that counts as an error if unsuccessful.
Luck
Good fortune or prosperity; success
We wish you luck.
Chance
Caused by or ascribable to chance; unexpected, random, or casual
A chance encounter.
A chance result.
Luck
One's personal fate or lot
It was just my luck to win a trip I couldn't take.
Chance
To take the risk or hazard of
We thought we could jump over the puddle, but we were not willing to chance it.
Luck
To gain success or something desirable by chance
Lucked into a good apartment.
Lucked out in finding that rare book.
Chance
To have the fortune (to be or do something); happen
"My eye chanced to fall on the wizened houseplant on the windowsill" (Elisabeth Brink).
Luck
Something that happens to someone by chance, a chance occurrence, especially a favourable one.
The raffle is just a matter of luck.
Sometimes it takes a bit of luck to get success.
I couldn't believe my luck when I found a fifty dollar bill on the street.
Gilbert had some bad luck yesterday — he got pick-pocketed and lost fifty dollars.
Chance
Used with the impersonal subject it and a following clause or infinitive to indicate the occurrence of a usually unexpected or chance event
"Now it chanced that this car-line was owned by gentlemen who were trying to make money" (Upton Sinclair).
Luck
A superstitious feeling that brings fortune or success.
He blew on the dice for luck.
I wish you lots of luck for the exam tomorrow.
Chance
(countable) An opportunity or possibility.
We had the chance to meet the president last week.
Luck
Success.
I tried for ages to find a pair of blue suede shoes, but didn't have any luck.
He has a lot of luck with the ladies, perhaps it is because of his new motorbike.
Chance
(uncountable) Random occurrence; luck.
Why leave it to chance when a few simple steps will secure the desired outcome?
Luck
The results of a random number generator.
Chance
(countable) The probability of something happening.
There is a 30 percent chance of rain tomorrow.
Luck
To find something through good fortune; used with into, on, onto or upon.
Chance
(in plural as chances) probability; possibility.
Luck
That which happens to a person; an event, good or ill, affecting one's interests or happiness, and which is deemed casual; a course or series of such events regarded as occurring by chance; chance; hap; fate; fortune; often, one's habitual or characteristic fortune; as, good, bad, ill, or hard luck. Luck is often used by itself to mean good luck; as, luck is better than skill; a stroke of luck.
If thou dost play with him at any game,Thou art sure to lose; and of that natural luck,He beats thee 'gainst the odds.
Chance
What befalls or happens to a person; their lot or fate.
Luck
Your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you);
Whatever my fortune may be
Deserved a better fate
Has a happy lot
The luck of the Irish
A victim of circumstances
Success that was her portion
Chance
Happening by chance, casual.
Luck
An unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another;
Bad luck caused his downfall
We ran into each other by pure chance
Chance
(obsolete) Perchance; perhaps.
Luck
An unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that leads to a favorable outcome;
It was my good luck to be there
They say luck is a lady
It was as if fortune guided his hand
Chance
To happen by chance, to occur.
It chanced that I found a solution the very next day.
Luck
An unplanned, fortuitous event.
It was pure luck that I found a taxi right away.
Chance
To befall; to happen to.
Chance
To try or risk.
Shall we carry the umbrella, or chance a rainstorm?
Chance
To discover something by chance.
He chanced upon a kindly stranger who showed him the way.
Chance
(Belize) To rob, cheat or swindle someone.
The car broke down a week after I bought it. I was chanced by that fast-talking salesman.
Chance
A supposed material or psychical agent or mode of activity other than a force, law, or purpose; fortune; fate; - in this sense often personified.
It is strictly and philosophically true in nature and reason that there is no such thing as chance or accident; it being evident that these words do not signify anything really existing, anything that is truly an agent or the cause of any event; but they signify merely men's ignorance of the real and immediate cause.
Any society into which chance might throw him.
That powerWhich erring men call Chance.
Chance
The operation or activity of such agent.
By chance a priest came down that way.
Chance
The supposed effect of such an agent; something that befalls, as the result of unknown or unconsidered forces; the issue of uncertain conditions; an event not calculated upon; an unexpected occurrence; a happening; accident; fortuity; casualty.
In the field of observation, chance favors only the mind that is prepared.
It was a chance that happened to us.
The Knave of Diamonds tries his wily arts,And wins (O shameful chance!) the Queen of Hearts.
I spake of most disastrous chance.
Chance
A possibility; a likelihood; an opportunity; - with reference to a doubtful result; as, a chance to escape; a chance for life; the chances are all against him.
So weary with disasters, tugged with fortune.That I would get my life on any chance,To mend it, or be rid on 't
Chance
Probability.
Chance
To happen, come, or arrive, without design or expectation.
If a bird's nest chance to be before thee.
I chanced on this letter.
How chance, thou art returned so soon?
Chance
To take the chances of; to venture upon; - usually with it as object.
Come what will, I will chance it.
Chance
To befall; to happen to.
Chance
Happening by chance; casual.
Chance
By chance; perchance.
Chance
A possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances;
The holiday gave us the opportunity to visit Washington
Now is your chance
Chance
An unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another;
Bad luck caused his downfall
We ran into each other by pure chance
Chance
A risk involving danger;
You take a chance when you let her drive
Chance
A measure of how likely it is that some event will occur;
What is the probability of rain?
We have a good chance of winning
Chance
Be the case by chance;
I chanced to meet my old friend in the street
Chance
Take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome;
When you buy these stocks you are gambling
Chance
Come upon, as if by accident; meet with;
We find this idea in Plato
I happened upon the most wonderful bakery not very far from here
She chanced upon an interesting book in the bookstore the other day
Chance
Occurring or appearing or singled out by chance;
Their accidental meeting led to a renewal of their friendship
Seek help from casual passers-by
A casual meeting
A chance occurrence
Chance
The probability of an event occurring.
There's a good chance of rain tomorrow.
Chance
An opportunity to do something.
Give him a chance to explain.
Chance
Risk or hazard.
Taking a chance by investing in a startup.
Chance
A ticket in a lottery or raffle.
I bought five chances for the raffle.
Common Curiosities
Is taking a "chance" the same as relying on "luck"?
Taking a "chance" means risking an unknown outcome, while relying on "luck" is hoping for a favorable outcome without control.
Can "chance" be quantified?
Yes, "chance" can be quantified, especially in terms of probability or likelihood.
Is there a physical explanation for "luck"?
"Luck" is a concept, often seen as a mysterious force, without a concrete physical explanation.
Can "luck" be controlled?
"Luck" is inherently unpredictable and cannot be controlled.
Can you "give" someone luck?
While you can't literally give luck, certain tokens or gestures are believed by some to bring luck.
Is a "lucky charm" based on chance?
A "lucky charm" is believed to bring good luck, not necessarily based on chance but on belief.
How can one improve their chances in a game?
Depending on the game, understanding its mechanics, practicing, or strategizing can improve chances.
Is "chance" always unpredictable?
While "chance" often implies unpredictability, it can sometimes be influenced or calculated.
Can "chance" and "luck" be used interchangeably?
In some contexts they might be used similarly, but they have distinct meanings and are not always interchangeable.
Is "chance" only applicable to uncertain situations?
Primarily, yes. "Chance" refers to the possibility of different outcomes in uncertain situations.
Why do people say "good luck" before someone attempts something?
It's a way of wishing someone a favorable outcome in an uncertain situation.
Are "chance encounters" planned?
No, "chance encounters" are unplanned and unexpected meetings.
Can science explain luck?
"Luck" as a concept is subjective and not directly explainable by science, though outcomes attributed to luck can be analyzed.
Do people universally believe in luck?
Belief in "luck" varies across cultures and individuals; it's not universal.
Why do some say "it's just bad luck" when something unfortunate happens?
It's a way to attribute an unfavorable outcome to an external, uncontrollable force rather than personal responsibility or cause.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
