Haphazard: meaning, definitions and examples
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haphazard
[ˌhæpˈhæz.ərd ]
Definition
random
Characterized by lack of order or planning, by irregularity, or by randomness. It often implies a lack of care or attention to detail.
Synonyms
chaotic, disorganized, random.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| haphazard |
Use 'haphazard' when describing something that lacks any clear order or planning. The connotation is often negative, implying carelessness or a lack of attention to detail.
|
| random |
Use 'random' when something happens without any predictable pattern or plan. This can be neutral or slightly negative when lacking context or order is implicit.
|
| disorganized |
Use 'disorganized' to describe a situation, place, or person lacking order or systematic arrangement. It is less intense than 'chaotic' and can suggest a need for better management or planning.
|
| chaotic |
Use 'chaotic' to describe something that is wildly disordered or out of control. This word often suggests a high level of confusion and unpredictability.
|
Examples of usage
- It was a haphazard collection of items scattered around the room.
- The haphazard approach resulted in a messy outcome.
- She painted the walls in a haphazard manner, leaving patches of unpainted areas.
- The haphazard distribution of resources led to inefficiency.
- The project was completed in a haphazard fashion, resulting in numerous errors.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Middle English 'hap' meaning chance or luck, combined with 'hazard', which refers to risk.
- Originally, 'haphazard' was sometimes spelled as 'hap-hazard', emphasizing both chance and danger.
Literature
- This term often appears in storytelling to describe chaotic events that happen unexpectedly, guiding characters into unusual plots.
- Writers use it to depict characters' reckless actions, often leading to humorous or disastrous results.
Psychology
- In psychology, haphazard actions can reflect a lack of control or high anxiety levels in decision-making.
- Studies show that people working in disorganized environments are more prone to stress and errors.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters often find themselves in haphazard situations where their lack of planning leads to comical or chaotic outcomes.
- Social media trends can sometimes appear haphazard, as people try different viral challenges without clear planning.
Science
- In genetics, haphazard mutations can lead to unexpected changes in an organism, sometimes resulting in beneficial traits.
- Ecologists study haphazard patterns in nature, like how certain plants grow spontaneously in different environments.
Translations
Translations of the word "haphazard" in other languages:
🇵🇹 aleatório
🇮🇳 बेतरतीब
🇩🇪 zufällig
🇮🇩 acak
🇺🇦 безладний
🇵🇱 przypadkowy
🇯🇵 でたらめな
🇫🇷 aléatoire
🇪🇸 aleatorio
🇹🇷 rastgele
🇰🇷 무계획적인
🇸🇦 عشوائي
🇨🇿 náhodný
🇸🇰 náhodný
🇨🇳 随意的
🇸🇮 naključen
🇮🇸 tilviljanakenndur
🇰🇿 кездейсоқ
🇬🇪 შემთხვევითი
🇦🇿 təsadüfi
🇲🇽 aleatorio