haphazard

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "haphazard" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adjective which means something that was done or put together in a careless way. Example sentence: The manager's filing system was haphazard, making it difficult for employees to find the documents they needed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He points out success across the Channel is far from guaranteed – "The grass looks greener in the Top 14 but very often it isn't" – because training regimes are haphazard at certain clubs and restrictions on the number of non-homegrown étrangers have also increased.

The Guardian - Sport

I get the idea that we're a bit more haphazard and we like to mix and match.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The new bill's provisions mainly clarify a rather confusing and haphazard approach to legal highs, which were not anticipated when drugs laws were created in the 1970s.

The Guardian

Planting, cultivating and harvesting are carried out on auspicious days, as dictated by phases of the moon; beauty and artistic harmony are also important, though, so this is not some haphazard vegetable plot but a superbly designed and executed space.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Smith said the nuns who ran the homes in Derry had provided only "haphazard and piecemeal" evidence to the inquiry thus far.

The Guardian

Second, compensation was offered in a haphazard way – for example, it could often only be accessed through people who had the right sorts of contacts.

The Guardian

The president's campaign did what it could to try to discredit Buhari, but in a haphazard fashion.

The Guardian - Opinion

By contrast Ben & Jerry's efforts outside North America have so far been haphazard.

The Economist

Given the evidence of growing public discontent with his haphazard campaign, Mr Khan also risks undermining his own chances of building on last year's electoral success.

The Economist

But so many species since then have been named in such a haphazard way that animal nomenclature is in trouble.

The Economist

That would have meant minority rule and perhaps an early election, bogging down Poland's haphazard reforms completely.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes or systems, use "haphazard" to critique the absence of planning or structure, suggesting a need for improvement.

Common error

Avoid using "haphazard" when you simply mean something is difficult to predict. "Haphazard" implies a lack of organization or planning, not just an uncertain outcome.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "haphazard" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something lacking organization, planning, or consistency. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a valid and commonly used term.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "haphazard" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term to describe something lacking organization or planning. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Primarily found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, "haphazard" serves to critique or describe a process as unstructured. When writing, remember that "haphazard" implies a lack of intention, distinct from simple unpredictability. Consider alternatives like "random" or "chaotic" to fine-tune your meaning. Its frequent use across various sources underscores its relevance in conveying a lack of order.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

random

Indicates a lack of pattern or predictability, similar to "haphazard" but often without the negative connotation of carelessness.

unsystematic

Focuses on the absence of a structured approach or method, contrasting with a planned or organized process.

disorganized

Highlights the lack of arrangement or structure, suggesting a state of disorder and inefficiency.

chaotic

Emphasizes the disorganization and lack of order, highlighting a state of confusion and unpredictability.

hit-or-miss

Suggests inconsistency and unreliability, where success is dependent on chance rather than skill or planning.

erratic

Implies irregularity and unpredictability, with actions or events occurring in an inconsistent manner.

slipshod

Describes carelessness and a lack of attention to detail, resulting in poor quality or performance.

slapdash

Similar to slipshod, emphasizing haste and a lack of thoroughness, often leading to mistakes or imperfections.

careless

Indicates a lack of attention or concern, implying negligence and a disregard for potential consequences.

arbitrary

Suggests decisions or actions based on whim or personal preference rather than reason or principle.

FAQs

How can I use "haphazard" in a sentence?

You can use "haphazard" to describe something done randomly or without planning. For example, "The project was completed in a "haphazard" manner, leading to several errors."

What are some synonyms for "haphazard"?

Alternatives to "haphazard" include "random", "chaotic", or "unsystematic" depending on the context.

Is "haphazard" a formal or informal word?

"Haphazard" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it often carries a negative connotation implying carelessness or lack of control.

What's the difference between "haphazard" and "disorganized"?

"Haphazard" suggests a lack of planning or method, while "disorganized" implies a lack of structure or arrangement. Something can be disorganized without being completely "haphazard".