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Definition of haplessly

haplessly

/ˈhæp.ləs.li/
hap · less · ly
Adjective:hapless
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haplessly Lexical Profile

haplessly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In an unfortunate, unlucky, or pitifully helpless manner.

Example

"The inexperienced hikers wandered haplessly through the dense fog until the rescue team located them."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

haphazard
haphazardly
hapless
haplessly
happen
happening
happenstance

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the Middle English adjective 'hapless', which combines the Old Norse root 'happ' (meaning chance or good luck, also the root of 'happy' and 'happen') with the suffix '-less', plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Haplessly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/haplessly
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