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

And their seemingly haphazard jumble is purposeful, reminding us that this is not a temple but a workshop, a place of ongoing activity in which new and experimental art is incubated.

From The Wall Street Journal

A hollow space under the stairs and some haphazard friendships were not an operation.

From Literature

You may reasonably conclude this is a haphazard system by which to make such important decisions.

From MarketWatch

The few remaining barrels were being rolled to the open hatch to be hefted on deck by a handful of waiting men in their haphazard blanket and coal soot disguises.

From Literature

Nearly 3.5 million pages were released in January, many riddled with haphazard or incomplete redactions.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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