Definitions

hapless

[hap-lis] / ˈhæp lɪs /

ADJECTIVE

unfortunate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

unlucky woeful

WEAK

cursed hexed ill-fated ill-starred infelicitous jinxed jonah loser luckless miserable poor fish sad sack snakebit star-crossed unhappy untoward voodooed wretched

Antonyms

STRONGEST

happy

WEAK

fortuitous fortunate lucky well-off

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.

Readers of a certain age will remember 1962 as the inaugural season of the New York Mets, a historically hapless team that ended the season 40-120.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

And what a treat to witness Bryan Cranston return as ‘Malcolm in the Middle’s’ hapless dad.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

America’s dealers are a bit hapless when it comes to EVs.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

German media have broadcast the hapless creature lying motionless in shallow water for hours on end, with men in diving suits splashing water on it using kayak paddles.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

I cut and ran toward the haystack, pounding past my hapless brother.

From "Secrets at Sea" by Richard Peck

Vocabulary lists containing hapless

300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

100 SAT Words Beginning with "H"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Stargirl

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!