haphazard
UK[hæpˈhæz.əd]US[hæpˈhæz.ɚd]
adj
lacking any obvious principle of organization; random
adv
in a manner lacking any obvious principle of organization; randomly
Morpheme Breakdown
hap
hazard
hap
chance
hazard
risk
Etymology
the word 'haphazard' is a compound formed from two near-synonyms, both relating to chance. 'hap', of old norse origin, originally meant good fortune or luck. 'hazard', entering english via old french and ultimately from the arabic for 'dice', denoted a game of chance and later any source of danger or risk. when combined in the 16th century, the term 'haphazard' intensified the notion of pure chance, initially describing an outcome determined by mere luck. over time, the sense of fortune faded, leaving the modern meaning which emphasizes a lack of planning or order, essentially 'dependent on mere chance or risk'.
Analysis
Structure: hap (chance) + hazard (risk)
hap: from old norse 'happ' meaning good luck, chance, fortune. functions as a root conveying the sense of chance or fortune.
hazard: from old french 'hasard', likely from arabic 'az-zahr' meaning the dice. functions as a root conveying the sense of risk, chance, or peril.
Examples
the books were piled in a haphazard fashion on the floor.
equipment was strewn haphazardly around the workshop.
the investigation seemed haphazard and poorly managed.