-less
suffix
UK/ləs/US/ləs/
Used to form adjectives indicating ‘without’ or ‘lacking’ a particular quality or thing. Derived from Old English ‘-lēas.’ Examples include ‘hopeless’ (lacking hope), ‘fearless’ (without fear), and ‘careless’ (showing or having no care).
Example Sentences
She approached the challenge with a fearless attitude, ready to tackle any obstacle that came her way.
His sleeveless shirt kept him cool in the summer heat, but he forgot to apply sunscreen and ended up with a sunburn.
A speech filled with emotionless statements seldom resonates with an audience seeking genuine passion or empathy.
Their homeless initiative helped hundreds of individuals find stable, long-term housing solutions that transformed their lives.
Feeling hopeless after repeated setbacks is natural, yet identifying new strategies and seeking support can restore one’s motivation and optimism.
They invented a wireless device that communicated effortlessly with smartphones, eliminating tangled cords and creating a more user-friendly experience.
The child’s guileless smile melted the hearts of everyone in the room, reminding them of the pure joy that comes from innocence and sincerity.
The once-vibrant garden became lifeless over the winter, stripped of its colorful blooms and lively birdsong, but it would return to its former beauty in the spring as nature renewed itself.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Indicates 'without' or 'lacking' a specific characteristic.Use this suffix to form adjectives that mean 'without' the base noun's quality. For example, 'hopeless' conveys the absence of hope, and 'fearless' indicates lacking fear. Words created with '-less' often highlight a notable deficiency or nonexistence: 'homeless' implies no home, 'tireless' suggests never growing tired. These adjectives can convey empathy (like describing unfortunate circumstances) or admiration (applauding someone’s unwavering stamina). In writing, they’re succinct and direct, but be mindful of context—some '-less' forms may sound negative or overly dramatic if used too frequently. You’ll find this suffix in literary, journalistic, and casual language alike. While it draws attention to something missing, it can also infuse a text with vividness or emphasis. If you’re unsure whether the '-less' form exists for a certain root, consult a dictionary or consider alternative phrasing that more precisely expresses what’s absent.
Alternatives
If you want a different approach, try phrases like 'without any' or 'devoid of' for a less idiomatic feel. For instance, instead of 'fearless,' you might say 'brave' or 'unafraid.' Similarly, 'homeless' can be rephrased as 'having no home' or 'unhoused,' though each alternative carries its own connotations. The choice depends on style, tone, and audience. 'Without' plus a noun is a direct replacement, while synonyms like 'free of' or 'void of' soften the expression. Still, '-less' remains concise and impactful, especially when you need brevity or a direct statement of what is lacking.
Writing
In formal writing, '-less' adjectives can effectively emphasize an absence. Use them to drive home a key point—like discussing 'jobless' rates in an economics paper. However, avoid over-reliance, as excessive usage might create a monotonous or overly negative tone. Complement '-less' with variety: combine direct statements and synonyms to balance clarity and style. In creative or literary contexts, '-less' forms can add dramatic flair, underscoring a poignant deficiency or a heroic trait. Mix them strategically with more nuanced language to keep prose from sounding repetitive. Make sure each '-less' word accurately reflects the core meaning, ensuring your sentence structure and word choice align with the nuance of what’s missing.
Casual Conversation
In everyday speech, '-less' adjectives show up naturally, like 'moneyless' (though 'broke' is more common) or 'sleeveless' (for clothing). When chatting casually, '-less' helps you be concise: 'I’m clueless about that movie' or 'He’s fearless.' These direct expressions capture a sense of what’s missing or defining in a single term. People usually understand them instantly, though synonyms may feel more natural in certain contexts. If you find yourself repeating '-less' words, swap them out with simpler phrases, like 'I don’t have a clue' or 'He isn’t afraid.' This variety prevents your conversation from feeling stilted while maintaining clarity.
Etymology
Stemming from Old English '-lēas,' meaning 'devoid of,' this suffix has ancient Germanic roots. Over time, '-less' integrated into Middle and Modern English, steadily expanding to apply to a wide range of concepts—from the literal ('waterless desert') to more abstract notions ('helpless situation'). Its simplicity and universality made it a mainstay for expressing emptiness, deficiency, or lacking a given quality. This enduring suffix underscores how deeply morphological markers can shape vocabulary, enabling English speakers to pinpoint absence in a single, highly recognizable ending.