hapless
8 synonyms and 1 antonym for hapless, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Unlucky, especially in a way that invites pity or mild amusement.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use hapless
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a hapless victim
the hapless hero
hapless attempt
Etymology
From hap ("luck") plus the suffix -less ("without"), so literally "without luck."
Full origin of hapless →Frequently asked questions
What does “hapless” mean?
The word “hapless” means unlucky, especially in a way that invites pity or mild amusement. In plain terms, unlucky or accident-prone, usually in a way that's a bit sad or comic rather than tragic.
How do you pronounce “hapless”?
“Hapless” is pronounced HAP-lihs (/ˈhæpləs/ in IPA).
How do you use “hapless” in a sentence?
Here is “hapless” used in a sentence: “The hapless intern spilled coffee on the CEO's desk during his first week.”
What part of speech is “hapless”?
“Hapless” is an adjective.
