adj
C2
Proficient
hapless
HAP-lihs
Hapless (adj) means Unlucky, especially in a way that invites pity or mild amusement. Example: “The hapless intern spilled coffee on the CEO's desk during his first week.”
adj
1
Unlucky, especially in a way that invites pity or mild amusement.
"The hapless intern spilled coffee on the CEO's desk during his first week."
"A hapless tourist wandered into the middle of the parade."
How to use hapless
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUnlucky or accident-prone, usually in a way that's a bit sad or comic rather than tragic.
Common pairings
a hapless victim
the hapless hero
hapless attempt
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like hapless.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more hapless
- Superlative
- most hapless
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ intern spilled coffee on the CEO's desk during his first week.
Etymology
From hap ("luck") plus the suffix -less ("without"), so literally "without luck."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for hapless
See all rhymes for 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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include hapless:
