Vowel Minimal Pair
How to Pronounce luck vs lack
Key Pronunciation Contrast
‘Luck’ (⁄lʌk⁄) uses ⁄ʌ⁄; ‘lack’ (⁄læk⁄) uses ⁄æ⁄.
Contrast: ⁄ʌ⁄ vs ⁄æ⁄
Word 1Full word page➔
luck
⁄lʌk⁄
Syllables
LUCK
Definition:
Something that happens to someone by chance, a chance occurrence.
“The raffle is just a matter of luck.”
Word 2Full word page➔
lack
⁄læk⁄
Syllables
LACK
Definition:
A deficiency or need (of something desirable or necessary); an absence, want, dearth.
“[…] let his lack of years be no impediment to let him lack a reverend estimation;”
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Frequently Asked Questions: luck vs lack
What is the difference in pronunciation between "luck" and "lack"?
‘Luck’ (⁄lʌk⁄) uses ⁄ʌ⁄; ‘lack’ (⁄læk⁄) uses ⁄æ⁄.
Where does the syllable stress fall in "luck" vs "lack"?
"luck" has 1 syllable(s) (luck) with stress on "LUCK". "lack" has 1 syllable(s) (lack) with stress on "LACK".
Why do English learners often confuse "luck" and "lack"?
Learners frequently confuse them due to the close sound contrast: ⁄ʌ⁄ vs ⁄æ⁄. In rapid spoken English, context and vowel duration are the primary differentiators.
What are example sentences for "luck" and "lack"?
Example for "luck": "The raffle is just a matter of luck." Example for "lack": "[…] let his lack of years be no impediment to let him lack a reverend estimation;"