-less

Meaning

Lacking (something); without (something). Added usually to a noun to form an adjective signifying a lack of that noun.

Synonyms

un-

non-

less

without

bereft of

deprived of

non-existing

a-

im-

devoid of

in-

lacking

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ləs/

Etymology

From Middle English -les, -leas, from Old English -lēas (“-less”), from lēas (“devoid of, loose from, false”), from Proto-West Germanic *laus, from Proto-Germanic *lausaz (“loose”). (Not related to less, which derives from *laisiz, *laisizô.) Cognate with Scots -less, West Frisian -leas, Saterland Frisian -loos, Dutch -loos (“-less”), Low German -los, German -los, Danish -løs, Swedish -lös, Icelandic -laus. More at lease (“false”).