happy-go-lucky

adjective

ˌha-pē-gō-ˈlə-kē How to pronounce happy-go-lucky (audio)
Definition of happy-go-luckynext
1
as in unaffected
having a relaxed, casual manner he is completely happy-go-lucky on fishing trips—if he catches something, fine; if he doesn't, that's fine, too

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nonchalant
having or showing freedom from worries or trouble went on her happy-go-lucky way, totally unaware that she was strewing litter behind her

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of happy-go-lucky Plant the color that best defines you, whether that's white for a happy-go-lucky attitude or purple for a sweet disposition. — Jenny Krane, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026 The universe is greeting you with joy, Libra, as the Moon and Pluto skip hand-in-hand through your happy-go-lucky 5th house. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026 Harry with a woman who was easy and happy-go-lucky? — Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026 Each section of the track could potentially get stuck in your head for days, from its jittery verse backed by swooning vocal harmonies to the way the bridge shifts into a happy-go-lucky gallop. — Jude Noel, Pitchfork, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for happy-go-lucky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for happy-go-lucky
  1. unaffected
  2. nonchalant
  3. mellow
  4. carefree
  5. casual
  6. lighthearted
  7. easygoing
  8. unconcerned
Adjective
  • The same statement also said that construction and installation at facilities unaffected by the fire would continue as normal and that air quality was being continuously monitored.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The rest of the facility was unaffected with no other injuries reported, according to hospital officials and witnesses.
    — Munir Ahmed, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of unaffected
Adjective
  • The plan is to keep being nonchalant about the whole thing, and hopefully their fan base will continue to grow.
    — Julius Miller, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Opting for a baggier jean style immediately reads more nonchalant, giving the overall outfit a cooler look.
    — Eva Thomas, InStyle, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of nonchalant
Adjective
  • Guests can also use the mellow co-working space above Parklet for free.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Stoddard encourages clients to try new coping tools during low-stakes moments, when their emotions are relatively mellow.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of mellow
Adjective
  • Yet, despite the seemingly carefree construction, the shoe’s high sidewall design is intended to hug the wearer’s foot for a secure fit.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Tadens, part of a Haitian migrant family that moved to the United States in 2024, is remembered as a carefree, sweet child who had a stellar school attendance.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of carefree
Adjective
  • The Clubhouse Restaurant provides a more casual option, serving familiar comfort food alongside some of the most spectacular views in Europe.
    — Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Keep it casual and stylish by pairing your maxi skirt and white tee with your comfy walking shoes for daytime sightseeing without totally sticking out like a tourist.
    — Kayla Becker, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of casual
Adjective
  • This magazine, established in 1955, publishes lighthearted parodies of academic literature, bogus scientific studies, and satirical commentary on absurd research.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026
  • White suggests coming up with clever or punny team names that add to the lighthearted atmosphere.
    — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of lighthearted
Adjective
  • Beers from every corner of the globe snagged World’s Best titles in categories that run the gamut—from classic pilsners and hearty bocks to dark-as-night schwarzbier, easygoing helles and even light lagers.
    — Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The Beach House Motel & Suites Part of the appeal of Oak Island is its easygoing nature.
    — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of easygoing
Adjective
  • Arday is dead and still being propped up as an example of various crises, by commentators unconcerned with his memory.
    — Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Alistair has the Argentinian poet Jorge Luis Borges (Luis Gnecco) coming to stay, but Parini seems oddly unconcerned by the imminent arrival of this master of letters.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of unconcerned

Browse Nearby Words

happy campers
happy-go-lucky
happy hunting ground
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Happy-go-lucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/happy-go-lucky. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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