# haphazard

/hæpˈhæzɝd/ (US) · /hæphˈæzəd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/haphazard
Updated: 2026-05-27

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.