Destiny vs. Luck — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 30, 2023
"Destiny" refers to the predetermined or inevitable course of events, while "Luck" is the chance occurrence of fortunate or adverse events.
Difference Between Destiny and Luck
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Destiny" conveys a sense of fate or predetermined course that one's life will follow. It often carries a weight of inevitability. "Luck", in contrast, is spontaneous and unpredictable, revolving around random events that might be fortunate or unfortunate.
The concept of "Destiny" frequently arises in discussions about life's purpose or the universe's grand design. It's a deeper, often philosophical or spiritual concept. "Luck" is generally lighter in tone, focusing on the randomness of events, whether they bring good or bad outcomes.
When one says that something was their "Destiny", they imply that it was meant to be, and perhaps was out of their control. "Luck" doesn't have that same sense of fate; instead, it highlights the role of chance and randomness in outcomes.
Cultures and religions around the world have different interpretations of "Destiny". Some believe it's unchangeable, while others think individuals can shape it. "Luck", on the other hand, is universally acknowledged as the unpredictability of outcomes, regardless of one's actions.
To summarize, while "Destiny" speaks to the greater journey or purpose set for an individual, "Luck" touches upon the unforeseeable events that can either aid or hinder that journey momentarily.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Predetermined course of events.
Chance occurrence of events.
Depth
Philosophical, deep.
Lighter, random.
Control
Often seen as unchangeable.
Completely random.
Temporal Aspect
Long-term, overarching.
Momentary, spontaneous.
Cultural Aspect
Varied interpretations based on belief systems.
Universally recognized as unpredictability of outcomes.
Compare with Definitions
Destiny
The predetermined course of events beyond human control.
He felt that destiny brought them together.
Luck
The force that causes good or bad things to happen.
Luck wasn't on his side during the game.
Destiny
A hidden power believed to control future events.
Some think destiny is written in the stars.
Luck
Success or failure apparently brought by chance.
She had the luck of finding a hundred-dollar bill on the street.
Destiny
The force or principle believed to predetermine events.
They said it was destiny when they both arrived at the same place unintentionally.
Luck
Favorable or advantageous circumstances.
By sheer luck, he missed the accident.
Destiny
Destiny, sometimes referred to as fate (from Latin fatum "decree, prediction, destiny, fate"), is a predetermined course of events. It may be conceived as a predetermined future, whether in general or of an individual.
Luck
Fortune or prosperity.
He wished her luck before her performance.
Destiny
The events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future
She was unable to control her own destiny
Luck
A chance happening.
Meeting her was pure luck.
Destiny
The inevitable or necessary fate to which a particular person or thing is destined; one's lot.
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.
Destiny
A predetermined course of events considered as something beyond human power or control
"Marriage and hanging go by destiny" (Robert Burton).
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
Destiny
The power or agency thought to predetermine events
Destiny brought them together.
Luck
Chance to find or acquire
He lucked into a disc-jockey job
Destiny
That to which any person or thing is destined; a predetermined state; a condition predestined by the Divine or by human will.
Death is the destiny of all mortal men.
Luck
The chance happening of fortunate or adverse events; fortune
They met one day out of pure luck.
Destiny
That which is inevitable in the fullness of time.
Luck
Good fortune or prosperity; success
We wish you luck.
Destiny
One's eventual fate (not necessarily inevitable or predestined).
Luck
One's personal fate or lot
It was just my luck to win a trip I couldn't take.
Destiny
The fixed order of things; invincible necessity; an irresistible power or agency conceived of as determining the future, whether in general or of an individual.
Dara doesn't believe in using dating apps - she insists that destiny will find her other half.
Luck
To gain success or something desirable by chance
Lucked into a good apartment.
Lucked out in finding that rare book.
Destiny
That to which any person or thing is destined; predetermined state; condition foreordained by the Divine or by human will; fate; lot; doom.
Thither heWill come to know his destiny.
No man of woman born,Coward or brave, can shun his destiny.
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.
Destiny
The fixed order of things; invincible necessity; fate; a resistless power or agency conceived of as determining the future, whether in general or of an individual.
But who can turn the stream of destiny?
Fame comes only when deserved, and then is as inevitable as destiny, for it is destiny.
Marked by the Destinies to be avoided.
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.
Destiny
An event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
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.
Destiny
The ultimate agency that predetermines the course of events (often personified as a woman);
We are helpless in the face of Destiny
Luck
The results of a random number generator.
Destiny
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
Luck
To find something through good fortune; used with into, on, onto or upon.
Destiny
The events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future.
She believed it was her destiny to become a doctor.
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.
Destiny
A person's fate or inevitable outcome.
It was his destiny to lead his country.
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
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
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
Common Curiosities
Is Luck always positive?
No, luck can refer to both good and bad random occurrences.
What does Destiny mean?
Destiny refers to the predetermined or inevitable course of events in someone's life.
Is Destiny always related to the future?
Primarily, though it can also refer to events believed to be preordained in the past.
Is good luck the same as good fortune?
Yes, both terms often refer to positive, chance occurrences.
How is Luck different from chance?
Both refer to randomness, but "luck" often implies a favorable or unfavorable outcome.
How do different cultures view Destiny?
Views vary, with some cultures believing in a fixed destiny and others in a malleable one.
Does Destiny imply a higher power or force?
Often, it's associated with a belief in fate or a higher power, but not always.
Can one control their Destiny?
Views vary; some believe destiny is fixed, while others think it can be shaped by choices.
Can Luck be influenced?
By definition, luck is random, but many believe certain actions or talismans can influence it.
Can one "run out of" Luck?
It's a colloquial expression meaning a streak of good fortune has ended, not a literal depletion.
Is Destiny always positive?
No, destiny can refer to any inevitable outcome, positive or negative.
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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.
