haphazard
gb/hæphˈæzɚd/ us/hæphˈæzɚd/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
random; without a plan
done in a random way, without planning or organizing
Usage pattern:
[a] haphazard [approach/system/collection]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes connect it to 'hazard' (danger), but haphazard mainly means 'random' or 'unplanned,' not 'dangerous.'
Synonyms
random (The most general synonym; emphasizes no pattern.)
|
unplanned (Focuses on lack of preparation rather than disorder.)
|
unsystematic (More formal; emphasizes lack of method.)
|
chaotic (Stronger; suggests confusion and disorder, not just randomness.)
Antonyms
planned (Done with preparation and intention.)
|
systematic (Done according to an organized method.)
|
orderly (Arranged in a neat, controlled way.)
Collocations
a haphazard approach
|a haphazard method
|a haphazard process
|a haphazard search
|a haphazard arrangement
|a haphazard collection
|a haphazard system
|a haphazard manner
|a haphazard way
|haphazard planning
Themes
daily_life
|education
|work
Examples
- The books were piled in a haphazard way on the floor.
- Their haphazard approach to budgeting left them short of money each month.
- The files were stored in a haphazard system that no one could understand.
Learner examples
- His notes are very haphazard.
- We need a plan, not a haphazard approach.
adverb
C1
process
2
in a random way
in a random way; without order
Usage pattern:
[do/place/throw] [something] haphazard
Common mistake:
This adverb use is less common than 'haphazardly' in careful writing; learners may prefer 'haphazardly' for clarity.
Synonyms
randomly (Neutral; may not imply disorganization.)
|
carelessly (Adds the idea of not paying attention.)
Antonyms
neatly (Emphasizes tidy arrangement.)
|
systematically (Emphasizes method and order.)
Collocations
scatter haphazard
|throw haphazard
|pile haphazard
|place haphazard
|arrange haphazard
|stack haphazard
|leave haphazard
|store haphazard
|group haphazard
|dump haphazard
Themes
daily_life
|work
Examples
- He tossed the papers haphazard into a drawer and left the office.
- The cables were running haphazard across the floor, creating a tripping hazard.
Learner examples
- She put the clothes away haphazard.
Grammar
Dictionary form
haphazard
IPA
GB/hæphˈæzɚd/
US/hæphˈæzɚd/
Syllables & stress
haphaz - ard (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ard)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: haphazard
Word family
Core family
haphazardly
adverb C1
Related words
haphazardness
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.