hapless

[hap-lis]

adjective

1. unlucky; luckless; unfortunate.

   Synonyms: pitiable, pathetic, forlorn, wretched, woebegone, miserable, miserable

hapless

/ ˈhæplɪs /

adjective

1. unfortunate; wretched

Other Word Forms

• haplessly adverb
• haplessness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hapless¹

First recorded in 1560–70; hap ¹ + -less

Example Sentences

Its protagonist is a hapless writer who nonsensically gets caught up in secret-agent intrigue.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Most eyes turned towards the hapless Isak, who was instead given another 13 minutes to confirm this was not his day.

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Speaking of football, how could a logical economist like El-Erian root for the hapless Jets, who have the worst record in the NFL over the past decade?

Read more on Barron's

Speaking of football, how could a logical economist like El-Erian root for the hapless Jets, who have the worst record in the NFL over the past decade?

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Friends fans in the US can finally watch the last eight episodes of the hit sitcom's ill-fated spin-off show Joey, starring Matt LeBlanc as the hapless but loveable Joey Tribbiani.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• unlucky 
• woeful