hapless

American  

[hap-lis] / ˈhæp lɪs /

adjective

1. unlucky; luckless; unfortunate.

   Synonyms:

   pitiable, pathetic, forlorn, wretched, woebegone, miserable, miserable

---

hapless British  

/ ˈhæplɪs /

adjective

1. unfortunate; wretched

---

Other Word Forms

• haplessly adverb
• haplessness noun

Etymology

Origin of hapless

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

Example Sentences

The comedy sees Rogen play Matt Remick, the newly appointed hapless head of Continental Studios, who is desperate for celebrity approval while also trying to achieve both critical acclaim and box office success.

From BBC

A hapless 3-0 defeat by bottom side Wolves on Saturday came as a stark reality check for the Hammers.

From BBC

Yet no migrants ever stayed at the Armoni, which became a symbol of rampant waste and abuse in the city’s hapless contracting with human-services companies and nonprofits.

From The Wall Street Journal

Reminded us that the hapless Charlotte Hornets — who haven’t made it into the playoffs in nearly a decade — were once considered so cool that two of their stars were featured in the original “Space Jam?”

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. McGuane’s hapless heroes are local politicians, insurance salesmen, small-town lawyers and other workaday hustlers intent on “getting somewhere among people going nowhere.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• unlucky
• woeful