Words / C2

HAPL-uh-s/ˈhæpləs/

Hapless means unlucky, in a way that invites pity (literary): a hapless intern, hapless victims. Unlucky and unfortunate are everyday; hap is an old word for luck (in hapless / mishap / perhaps). Helpless is “without help” — a mix-up. Do not call a named decision-maker hapless to dodge their job title.

Meaning

Unlucky, especially in a way that invites pity (literary).

Examples

• “A hapless intern was cc’d on a draft that should never have left the folder.”
• “Unlucky is everyday. Helpless is unable to act. Mishap is a small accident. Perhaps hides the same hap. The person who clicked send may be hapless; the person who designed the shared folder is responsible.”

Good to know

Unlucky; pitiable (literary). Everyday: unlucky. Mix-up: helpless. Old root: hap (luck). Pity is not a substitute for a named owner.

Near in meaning

unlucky

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