hapless

/ˈhaplɪs/adjective

Having bad luck in a way that makes people feel sorry for you.

Example sentences

“The hapless tourist lost his passport, his wallet, and then his hotel key, all in one day.”
“The hapless goalkeeper slipped and let in an easy goal.”

Invites pity with a smile; a hapless victim is unlucky in an almost comic way. Built on the archaic 'hap', meaning luck, the same root as 'happen' and 'happy'.

Featured as word of the day on June 6, 2026.

Synonyms for hapless

unlucky
unfortunate
luckless
ill-fated
jinxed

Antonyms

lucky
fortunate

Often confused with hapless

hapless vs helpless

Related words

hamperTo make it harder for someone or something to move, act, or make progress.harangueA long, angry, forceful speech, especially one that criticizes or lectures people.haggardLooking very tired, thin, and unwell, usually from worry, illness, or lack of sleep.hackneyedUsed so often that it has become boring and lost its original effect.hackerSomeone who breaks into computer systems or networks without permission, often to steal data or cause damage.harrowingExtremely upsetting or frightening to experience, see, or hear about.