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.

Which reminds me of another hapless cartoon character who thought himself a genius but who kept screwing things up in ceaseless pursuit of his quarry: Wile E. Coyote.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

The new ads reunite Justin Long, who embodied a hip Mac laptop in Apple’s commercials, with John Hodgman, who played a hapless PC.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 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

Ellis Genge showed his England quality to help Bristol rout hapless Harlequins 40-14 at Twickenham.

From Barron's • Dec. 20, 2025

Why had Emenike portrayed her as a hapless English rose?

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie