June 6, 2026

hapless

/ˈhaplɪs/adjective

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

Example sentence

“The hapless tourist lost his passport, his wallet, and then his hotel key, all in one day.”

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'.

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Related words

happyFeeling pleasure and contentment; enjoying a sense of well-being, comfort, or joy.handballA team game in which two sides of seven players each throw and bounce a ball, trying to get it into the other team's goal.harangueA long, angry, forceful speech, especially one that criticizes or lectures people.hamperA big basket, often with a lid, used to hold and carry things such as food, laundry, or small animals.