hapless

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.

Sam is hapless and downwardly mobile, yet he’s as likable as a shy puppy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Yet, these supposedly most-promising stars are mostly hapless wannabes leaning on their skills in nunchucks and mime.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

The comedy sees Rogen play Matt Remick, the newly appointed hapless head of Continental Studios, who is desperate for celebrity approval while also trying to achieve both critical acclaim and box office success.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2026

Yet no migrants ever stayed at the Armoni, which became a symbol of rampant waste and abuse in the city’s hapless contracting with human-services companies and nonprofits.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

It took Lee and his men less than three minutes of fighting to overcome the hapless rebellion.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson