Word
haphazard
Phoneticshap·haz·ard, stress on the second syllable
US/hæpˈhæzɝd/
UK/hæphˈæzəd/
Definition
adj. done in a way that is not planned or organized. You use this to describe something that happens by chance or without any clear order.
adj. done in a disorderly or unsystematic way; lacking a plan or purpose. Often describes processes or arrangements that result from chance rather than intention.
Examples
“The books were arranged in a haphazard way on the shelf.”
“The project failed because the team followed a haphazard schedule rather than a detailed plan.”
“The city's growth was haphazard, with new neighborhoods popping up wherever land was available rather than following a coherent urban design.”
Examples
simple
“The books were arranged in a haphazard way on the shelf.”
contextual
“The project failed because the team followed a haphazard schedule rather than a detailed plan.”
complex
“The city's growth was haphazard, with new neighborhoods popping up wherever land was available rather than following a coherent urban design.”
Real-World Examples
“On a more positive note, the strike by ground staff at Barcelona-El Prat airport has been called off after more than two months of haphazard flight cancellations, delays and especially luggage problems.” “The haphazard and hurried technique made for an inelegant end product: blurry type, wrinkled pages and nondescript covers.” Etymology
From archaic hap (“chance, luck”) + hazard.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/haphazard