haphazard

[hap-haz-erd, hap-haz-erd]

adjective

1. characterized by lack of order or planning, by irregularity, or by randomness; determined by or dependent on chance; aimless.

   Synonyms: helter-skelter, slapdash, careless, unsystematic, disorganized
   Antonyms: organized, systematic, methodical

adverb

1. haphazardly.

noun

1. mere chance; accident.

haphazard

/ hæpˈhæzəd /

adverb

1. at random

adjective

1. careless; slipshod

noun

1. rare,  chance

Other Word Forms

• haphazardness noun
• haphazardly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of haphazard¹

First recorded in 1565–75; hap ¹ + hazard

Example Sentences

Dramatically, however, “Sirāt” is at once haphazard and pompous, stalling on its central mystery and throwing in a few flashes of distracting calamity.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

After some close, exciting earlier matches, the West Indies' aggressive batting in an attempt to level the series proved too haphazard in seamer-friendly conditions.

Read more on Barron's

But some Bay Area community leaders say haphazard remediation work and lackluster public outreach have endangered the health and safety of residents of the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood that sits beside the former shipyard.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The New York Times last year called it "haphazard and largely self-serving - making him eligible for enormous tax breaks and helping his businesses".

Read more on BBC

Medical care, she said, can be “very haphazard and spotty,” with prenatal appointments often not happening on schedule.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• aimless 
• arbitrary 
• careless 
• casual 
• desultory 
• disorganized 
• erratic 
• half-assed 
• helter-skelter 
• indiscriminate 
• offhand 
• random 
• slapdash 
• uncoordinated