Haloalkanes are only very slightly soluble in water because

The correct answer is Option (3) → they do not form hydrogen bonds with water

To dissolve a haloalkane in water, the hydrogen bonds between water molecules must be broken. A haloalkane cannot form hydrogen bonds with water, so the new attractions between haloalkane and water molecules are weaker than the hydrogen bonds broken. Less energy is released than is used, and the solubility stays very low.

Why the other options are incorrect

Option (1) they are covalent compounds — Incorrect. Being covalent does not decide solubility in water: alcohols are also covalent, yet the lower ones dissolve in water because they form hydrogen bonds with it.

Option (2) they have low polarity — Incorrect. Haloalkanes are polar molecules: the halogen is more electronegative than carbon, so the C–X bond is polarised and the molecules have a dipole moment.

Option (4) they have tetrahedral geometry — Incorrect. The shape around the carbon atom is not what limits solubility; what matters is how strong the new attractions with water are compared with the hydrogen bonds broken.

NCERT (2026-27 edition):
6.6 Physical Properties: Solubility – “The haloalkanes are very slightly soluble in water. In order to dissolve haloalkane in water, energy is required to overcome the attractions between the haloalkane molecules and break the hydrogen bonds between water molecules. Less energy is released when new attractions are set up between the haloalkane and the water molecules as these are not as strong as the original hydrogen bonds in water. As a result, the solubility of haloalkanes in water is low.”