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

• haphazardly adverb
• haphazardness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of haphazard¹

First recorded in 1565–75; hap ¹ + hazard

Example Sentences

Aid groups and governments have excoriated the GHF’s efforts as paltry, inefficient and haphazard.

From Los Angeles Times

Surely you’ll fall over backward when I tell you that funding shortages, politics, evolving priorities, lack of coordination, haphazard and disjointed planning, and less than stellar leadership have stymied progress on many fronts.

From Los Angeles Times

Critics say the foundation’s efforts have been insufficient and haphazard.

From Los Angeles Times

Apart from the limitations of her office, Bass has also confused residents and made her own path harder with a seemingly haphazard approach to delegating authority.

From Los Angeles Times

"Whereas in previous generations there was a greater acceptance that whether you conceive or not can be a bit haphazard, now we have Korean women saying, 'I want to plan my life.'"

From BBC

Related Words

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