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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

I’ve got almost 12 years of toxic relationship songs, so maybe these next 10 years is the love, happy-go-lucky songs.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 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

Stern like old school Mexicans always look in portraits but with joyful eyes that reveal his happy-go-lucky attitude to life.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 9, 2025

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

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