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Haplessly: meaning, definitions and examples

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haplessly

 

[ˈhΓ¦p.lΙ™s.li ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

lack of luck

Haplessly refers to doing something in an unfortunate or unlucky manner. It is often used to describe actions that result in unintended consequences due to bad fortune or circumstances beyond control. The term has a somewhat whimsical connotation, often emphasizing the irony of being caught in a predicament through no fault of one's own.

Synonyms

miserably, unfortunately, unluckily.

Examples of usage

  • She haplessly tripped over the dog while rushing to answer the phone.
  • He haplessly forgot his wallet at home and could not pay for lunch.
  • The haplessly misplaced keys led to a frantic search before the meeting.
  • They haplessly missed their flight due to road construction.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from 'hap', meaning chance or luck, combined with 'less', indicating a lack of.
  • It became part of the English language around the 16th century, reflecting the growing interest in fate and chance.

Literature

  • Writers often use haplessly to describe characters who face unfortunate situations, amplifying themes of irony or tragedy.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, many characters suffer hapless fates, showing how unpredictability can affect lives.

Psychology

  • Feeling hapless can have an impact on mental health, leading to feelings of helplessness and low self-esteem.
  • People with a hapless outlook might misinterpret events, feeling that bad luck defines their life, rather than understanding they have agency.

Pop Culture

  • Many slapstick comedies feature hapless characters who stumble into hilarious predicaments due to their lack of awareness or bad luck.
  • Cartoons often portray hapless animals or heroes as a source of comedy, demonstrating how bad luck can lead to funny outcomes.

Everyday Life

  • Anyone can experience hapless moments, like spilling coffee before a big meeting or forgetting an important deadline.
  • Describing a situation as hapless acknowledges that sometimes, despite our best efforts, things don’t work out as planned.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,438, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.