Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

happy-go-lucky

American  
[hap-ee-goh-luhk-ee] / ˈhæp i goʊˈlʌk i /

adjective

  1. trusting cheerfully to luck; happily unworried or unconcerned.

    Synonyms:
    insouciant, lighthearted, blithe, heedless, carefree

happy-go-lucky British  

adjective

  1. carefree or easy-going

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of happy-go-lucky

First recorded in 1665–75

Vocabulary lists containing happy-go-lucky

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The difference with this one is that Mourinho, who claims 26 major honors, makes Michael Jordan seem like a happy-go-lucky guy who wasn’t terribly bothered about winning or losing.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 18, 2026

When you walk into a room with Los Primos del Este, the happy-go-lucky guys immediately make you feel like part of the family.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 17, 2026

Next to the happy-go-lucky Harry, William always came off as the earnest, somewhat colder older brother who seemed to march solemnly toward the inevitable fate of being burdened by the crown.

From The Wall Street Journal Mar. 11, 2026

Mr Castledine's sister Chloe told the inquest her brother was just "happy-go-lucky, wanting to enjoy his life".

From BBC Dec. 17, 2024

He looked back at Pong with a sadness that didn't match his happy-go-lucky grin.

From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Just like flashcards, but way more fun

Don't take our word for it. Leave the boring studying behind and join VocabTrainer today. You'll learn even faster and never look back.

Take me to Vocabulary.com