Pronunciation: [ˈɪlstˈɑːd] (IPA) 
The word "ill-starred" is spelled with the letters i-l-l, which represent the sound /ɪl/. The hyphen indicates a pause or break in pronunciation, followed by the word "starred", spelled s-t-a-r-r-e-d, which represents the sounds /stɑrd/. 'Ill-starred' is an adjective used to describe a person or situation that is unlucky, unfortunate or doomed to fail. The correct pronunciation is /ɪl.stɑrd/.
The term "ill-starred" is an adjective that describes someone or something that is marked by misfortune or bad luck. It often denotes a series of unfortunate events or circumstances surrounding a person, group, or situation. The word is derived from the notion of celestial bodies, specifically stars, influencing or determining one's fate or destiny.
When applied to individuals, "ill-starred" refers to someone who seems to consistently encounter adversity or misfortune in various aspects of their life. It highlights a pattern of bad luck that may have persisted over a significant period of time. For example, an ill-starred individual may face continuous financial difficulties, encounter personal setbacks, or consistently find themselves in undesirable situations.
In a broader sense, "ill-starred" can also be used to describe things, such as projects, endeavors, or even concepts that are plagued by unfavorable circumstances or outcomes. It implies a sense of doomed fate or an inherent predisposition towards negative results. This term often connotes an underlying sense of sympathy or pity for those affected, as it suggests that their circumstances are beyond their control and largely due to unfortunate cosmic forces.
In summary, "ill-starred" characterizes situations or individuals marked by an enduring string of unfortunate events or outcomes, implying a sense of prolonged bad luck or predestined misfortune often attributed to cosmic influences.
The word "ill-starred" is derived from the combination of two separate elements: "ill" and "starred".
1. "Ill" comes from the Old English word "yll", meaning evil, bad, or unfortunate. It has its roots in the Proto-Germanic "iljaz" and can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European "h₁elh₁-", which signifies badness or evil.
2. "Starred" is the past participle form of the verb "star", which originated from the Old English word "steorrian". "Star" is related to the Old Norse "stjarna" and the Old High German "stern", all referring to celestial bodies like stars.
