All Words
Friday, April 11, 2025
Word of the Day

hapless

adjective

Unfortunate; unlucky; having no luck.

Common - Frequently used in everyday language

Etymology

From hap "luck, fortune" (from Old Norse happ "chance, good luck") + -less. Related to happen, happy, and mishap.

Examples in Use

  • 1.

    "The hapless traveler missed three connecting flights."

  • 2.

    "Despite his talent, the hapless artist never found recognition."

  • 3.

    "The hapless protagonist stumbled from one disaster to another."

Related Vocabulary

Synonyms

unluckyunfortunateill-fatedlucklesswretched

Related Words

jinxedcursedstar-crossedill-starred

Fun Fact

Happy and hapless come from the same root (hap = luck). Happy originally meant "lucky" before meaning "pleased." A "happy coincidence" preserves the original meaning.

Word Game Tips

Letters: 7 letters (H, A, P, L, E, S, S)

Scrabble Value: 12 points

Tip: Try building from common prefixes or suffixes when you spot these letters.

Put Your Vocabulary to the Test!

Ready to find words like "hapless" in a puzzle? Try today's Zabble challenge!