Fluke vs. Incident — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 9, 2024
A fluke is a chance event with an unexpectedly positive outcome, often seen as lucky; an incident is any event, especially one that is unusual or disruptive.
Difference Between Fluke and Incident
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A fluke typically refers to an event that occurs unexpectedly and is unusually successful or favorable, often attributed to luck or chance. In contrast, an incident is a broader term that can describe any event or occurrence, particularly one that is significant or disrupts normal proceedings.
Flukes are often perceived as one-time anomalies that are unlikely to be repeated under normal circumstances, due to their random and fortuitous nature. On the other hand, incidents can be random or caused by specific factors and may vary widely in their frequency and impact.
In terms of perception, flukes are generally viewed positively, as they imply a beneficial outcome that was not anticipated. Incidents, however, may have either negative or neutral connotations depending on their nature and consequences.
The reporting of flukes is usually in the context of surprising success stories or unexpected wins, such as in sports or lotteries. Whereas incidents are reported in various contexts, from minor disruptions to major emergencies, emphasizing their role in affecting ongoing activities.
The likelihood of recurrence is another differing factor; flukes, by definition, are not expected to happen regularly. Incidents might recur, especially if they are symptomatic of underlying issues that remain unaddressed.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
An unexpected event with a positive outcome
Any significant or disruptive event
Connotations
Positive, lucky
Can be negative, neutral, or disruptive
Frequency
Rare, unlikely to repeat
Can vary, potentially frequent
Examples
Winning a lottery, a lucky guess
An accident, a security breach
Perception
Seen as fortuitous and beneficial
Viewed as significant for impact or change
Compare with Definitions
Fluke
An unlikely chance occurrence, especially a surprising piece of luck.
Winning the jackpot was a fluke.
Incident
Any individual occurrence or event.
Several incidents of vandalism were reported last night.
Fluke
Something that achieves success or an outcome that is very different from what is usual.
The novice player's victory was a fluke.
Incident
An event that might lead to an unwelcome outcome.
The diplomatic incident strained relations between the two countries.
Fluke
An event with a positive outcome that was not anticipated.
The scientist made a groundbreaking discovery by fluke.
Incident
An occurrence or event that interrupts normal procedures or precipitates a crisis.
The incident at the factory halted production for days.
Fluke
A stroke of luck often leading to unexpected success.
He scored the winning goal by a fluke.
Incident
A specific, discrete occurrence that can be isolated in time and space.
The fire incident was contained without further damage.
Fluke
Rare and unusual occurrences that are typically not replicable.
The unseasonal snow in the desert was a fluke.
Incident
An event or situation that is significant mainly because it could have potential consequences.
Security handled the incident discreetly to avoid panic.
Fluke
An unlikely chance occurrence, especially a surprising piece of luck
Their victory was a bit of a fluke
Incident
A particular occurrence, especially one of minor importance.
Fluke
A parasitic flatworm which typically has suckers and hooks for attachment to the host. Some species are of veterinary or medical importance.
Incident
An event in a narrative or drama.
Fluke
A flatfish, especially a flounder.
Incident
A usually violent or disruptive occurrence, especially one that precipitates a larger crisis
An international incident that provoked war.
Fluke
A broad triangular plate on the arm of an anchor.
Incident
An occurrence that interrupts normal procedure or functioning; a mishap
The plane landed without incident.
Fluke
Either of the lobes of a whale's tail.
Incident
(Law) Something contingent on or related to something else.
Fluke
Achieve (something) by luck rather than skill.
Incident
Tending to arise or occur as a result or accompaniment
"There is a professional melancholy ... incident to the occupation of a tailor" (Charles Lamb).
Fluke
Any of numerous parasitic flatworms, including the trematodes, some of which infect humans, and the monogeneans, which are chiefly ectoparasites of fish.
Incident
(Law) Related to or dependent on another thing.
Fluke
Any of various flatfishes chiefly of the genus Paralichthys, especially the summer flounder.
Incident
(Physics) Falling upon or striking a surface
Incident radiation.
Fluke
(Nautical) The triangular blade at the end of an arm of an anchor, designed to catch in the ground.
Incident
An event or occurrence.
She could not recall the time of the incident.
It was an incident that he hoped to forget.
The suspect was released without further incident.
Fluke
A barb or barbed head, as on an arrow or a harpoon.
Incident
A (relatively minor) event that is incidental to, or related to others.
Fluke
Either of the two horizontally flattened divisions of the tail of a whale.
Incident
An event that causes or may cause an interruption or a crisis, such as a workplace illness or a software error.
Fluke
A chance occurrence
That spring snowstorm was a total fluke.
Incident
Arising as the result of an event, inherent.
Fluke
(Games) An accidentally good or successful stroke in billiards or pool.
Incident
Falling on or striking a surface.
The incident light illuminated the surface.
Fluke
A lucky or improbable occurrence, with the implication that the occurrence could not be repeated.
The first goal was just a fluke.
Incident
Coming or happening accidentally; not in the usual course of things; not in connection with the main design; not according to expectation; casual; fortuitous.
Fluke
A flounder.
Incident
Liable to happen; apt to occur; befalling; hence, naturally happening or appertaining.
Fluke
A trematode; a parasitic flatworm of the Trematoda class, related to the tapeworm.
The man had become infected with flukes after eating a meal of raw fish.
Incident
(legal) Dependent upon, or appertaining to, another thing, called the principal.
Fluke
Either of the two lobes of a whale's or similar creature's tail.
The dolphin had an open wound on the left fluke of its tail where the propeller had injured it.
Incident
Falling or striking upon, as a ray of light upon a reflecting surface.
Fluke
(nautical) Any of the triangular blades at the end of an anchor, designed to catch the ground.
The fluke of the anchor was wedged between two outcroppings of rock and could not be dislodged.
Incident
Coming or happening accidentally; not in the usual course of things; not in connection with the main design; not according to expectation; casual; fortuitous.
As the ordinary course of common affairs is disposed of by general laws, so likewise men's rarer incident necessities and utilities should be with special equity considered.
Fluke
A metal hook on the head of certain staff weapons (such as a bill), made in various forms depending on function, whether used for grappling or to penetrate armour when swung at an opponent.
The polearm had a wide, sharpened fluke attached to the central point.
Incident
Liable to happen; apt to occur; befalling; hence, naturally happening or appertaining.
All chances incident to man's frail life.
The studies incident to his profession.
Fluke
In general, a winglike formation on a central piece.
After casting the bronze statue, we filed down the flukes and spurs from the molding process.
Incident
Dependent upon, or appertaining to, another thing, called the principal.
Fluke
Waste cotton.
Incident
That which falls out or takes place; an event; casualty; occurrence.
Fluke
To obtain a successful outcome by pure chance.
I fluked a pass in the multiple-choice exam.
Incident
That which happens aside from the main design; an accidental or subordinate action or event.
No person, no incident, in a play but must be of use to carry on the main design.
Fluke
(snooker) To fortuitously pot a ball in an unintended way.
He fluked the other red into the middle pocket, despite the double kiss.
Incident
Something appertaining to, passing with, or depending on, another, called the principal.
Fluke
The European flounder. See Flounder.
Incident
A single distinct event
Fluke
Any American flounder of the genus Paralichthys, especially Paralicthys dentatus, found in the Atlantic Ocean and in adjacent bays.
Incident
A public disturbance;
The police investigated an incident at the bus station
Fluke
A parasitic trematode worm of several species, having a flat, lanceolate body and two suckers. Two species (Fasciola hepatica and Distoma lanceolatum) are found in the livers of sheep, and produce the disease called rot.
Incident
Falling or striking on something
Fluke
The part of an anchor which fastens in the ground; a flook. See Anchor.
Incident
(sometimes followed by `to') minor or casual or subordinate in significance or nature or occurring as a chance concomitant or consequence;
Incidental expenses
The road will bring other incidental advantages
Extra duties incidental to the job
Labor problems incidental to a rapid expansion
Confusion incidental to a quick change
Fluke
One of the lobes of a whale's tail, so called from the resemblance to the fluke of an anchor.
Fluke
An instrument for cleaning out a hole drilled in stone for blasting.
Fluke
An accidental and favorable stroke at billiards (called a scratch in the United States); hence, any accidental or unexpected advantage; as, he won by a fluke.
Fluke
To get or score by a fluke; as, to fluke a play in billiards.
Fluke
A stroke of luck
Fluke
A barb on a harpoon or arrow
Fluke
Flat blade-like projection on the arm of an anchor
Fluke
Either of the two lobes of the tail of a cetacean
Fluke
Parasitic flatworms having external suckers for attaching to a host
Common Curiosities
Can incidents be positive?
Yes, while incidents often imply disruptions or negative outcomes, they can also be neutral or have positive effects depending on the context.
What is a fluke?
A fluke is an unexpected and lucky event that results in a positive outcome.
What defines an incident?
An incident is any event, particularly one that is unusual or disrupts normal activities.
How do flukes differ from regular lucky events?
Flukes are particularly surprising and are often more impactful or beneficial than regular lucky occurrences.
What impact do incidents have on business operations?
Incidents can disrupt business operations, potentially causing financial loss, damage to reputation, or physical damage.
What are typical examples of flukes?
Typical examples include winning a lottery unexpectedly or a sports underdog triumphing over a favorite.
How are incidents handled in organizations?
Organizations often have protocols and response plans to manage incidents efficiently to minimize their impact.
Can an incident evolve into a crisis?
Yes, if not managed properly, an incident can escalate into a crisis, requiring more significant intervention.
Are flukes considered reliable or predictable?
No, by nature, flukes are neither reliable nor predictable; they are seen as anomalies.
Can an incident lead to positive change?
Yes, incidents can prompt reviews and improvements in processes, security measures, or policies, leading to positive changes.
How often do flukes occur in nature?
Flukes are very rare in nature and are unpredictable, making them notable when they do occur.
How are incidents reported and recorded?
Incidents are typically documented and reported through formal channels within organizations to ensure transparency and accountability.
How can one prepare for incidents?
Preparation involves risk assessments, contingency planning, and training employees on response procedures.
What role does luck play in a fluke?
Luck is a central element of a fluke, characterizing it as an event beyond usual expectations and control.
Is it possible to benefit from a fluke in business?
While rare, businesses can sometimes benefit from flukes, such as an unexpected surge in demand or a competitor's mistake.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Placement vs. Place
Next Comparison
Rope vs. CordAuthor Spotlight
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.
