haphazard

American  

[hap-haz-erd, hap-haz-erd] / hæpˈhæz ərd, ˈhæpˌhæz ərd /

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

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adverb

1. haphazardly.

noun

1. mere chance; accident.

haphazard British  

/ hæpˈhæzəd /

adverb

1. at random

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adjective

1. careless; slipshod

noun

1. rare chance

Other Word Forms

• haphazardly adverb
• haphazardness noun

Etymology

Origin of haphazard

First recorded in 1565–75; hap ¹ + hazard

Example Sentences

In fact, Gowda's collection doesn't have a librarian and books are stacked on shelves and piled on the floor in a haphazard manner.

From BBC

For many years, surveillance and censorship were haphazard and unevenly enforced.

From The Wall Street Journal

For now, though, the experience remains haphazard and lacks standardization.

From Barron's

“Those who are unrealistic, hasty, reckless, and haphazard in their efforts, will be held strictly accountable,” he added.

From Barron's

“Have you seen our loos? They’re literally in a wooden shed and they’re cold,” Gyngell told the Telegraph, adding: “Service can be very haphazard and there’s nothing fancy or clever about our food.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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