Definitions

haphazard

[hap-haz-erd, hap-haz-erd] / hæpˈhæz ərd, ˈhæpˌhæz ərd /

ADJECTIVE

without plan or organization

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aimless arbitrary careless casual desultory disorganized erratic half-assed helter-skelter indiscriminate offhand random slapdash uncoordinated

WEAK

accidental all over the map any old way any which way chance designless devil-may-care disorderly hit-or-miss incidental irregular loose purposeless reckless slipshod spontaneous sudden unconcerned unconscious unconsidered unexpected unmethodical unorganized unpremeditated unsystematic unthinking willy-nilly

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careful definite deliberate methodical painstaking particular planned specific systematic

WEAK

designed intentional organized straight thought-out

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.

Buses are infrequent and haphazard, while the subway has only six trundling lines radiating out from the centre, making connections impossible without going all the way in and then all the way out again.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

And here, Orsolya’s sincere if haphazard search for understanding, visible in every fiber of Tompa’s affecting central performance, cleverly lets Jude expose the insufficiency in quick fixes.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

You may reasonably conclude this is a haphazard system by which to make such important decisions.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026

Trailing 7-6 going into the final end, they were without the hammer and looked set to suffer a decisive defeat after a haphazard performance.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

Bacon pointed out that the discoveries which were transforming his world—the compass, the printing press, gunpowder, the New World—had been generated in a haphazard fashion.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Vocabulary lists containing haphazard

List 3

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 3

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Touching Spirit Bear

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!