The suffix “-less” means “without” or “lacking.” So, if you see it on the end of a word, you know that word describes something that doesn’t have whatever came before the “-less.” Here are some common examples of words with the suffix less and what they mean.
“-less”: Denoting Absence
The suffix “-less” typically indicates the absence of something. In other words, the word is “without” whatever the root word is.
Physical or Tangible Absence
- Lifeless: Without life. Example: A lifeless body.
- Weightless: Having little or no weight. Example: An astronaut experiences weightless conditions in space.
- Defenseless: Without defense; vulnerable. Example: A defenseless child.
Emotional or Abstract Absence
- Hapless: Unlucky; unfortunate. Example: A hapless victim of circumstance.
- Ruthless: Without pity or compassion. Example: A ruthless dictator.
- Pointless: Having little or no purpose. Example: A pointless argument.
- Witless: Lacking intelligence or understanding. Example: A witless remark.
“-less”: Implying Negation or Lack of Quality
- Blameless: Free from blame; innocent. Example: A blameless bystander.
- Effortless: Requiring little or no effort. Example: An effortless performance.
- Fruitless: Producing no useful result; unproductive. Example: A fruitless search.
- Graceless: Lacking grace or elegance. Example: A graceless dancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a word that has “less”?
A word containing “less” (without it being a suffix) could be “bless,” “effortless,” or “aggress.” It depends on whether you’re looking for “less” as a standalone word or part of a larger word unrelated to the suffix.
What are 20 words that end in “-less”?
Here are 20 examples: fearless, hopeless, endless, careless, restless, painless, thoughtless, countless, bottomless, tireless, harmless, stainless, dauntless, speechless, flawless, relentless, defenseless, ageless, aimless, and doubtless.
Can you find more words ending with “-less”? (10 words)
Of course! Here are 10 more: clueless, regardless, valueless, shapeless, soundless, tactless, trackless, wireless, artless, and childless.
What are 10 examples of a suffix?
Suffixes are word endings that change a word’s meaning. Here are 10 examples: “-ness” (happiness), “-ly” (quickly), “-er” (teacher), “-ing” (running), “-ed” (walked), “-tion” (creation), “-able” (readable), “-ful” (beautiful), “-ment” (agreement), and of course, “-less” (fearless). Suffixes are attached to the end of the stem word.
Summary
The suffix “-less” means “without” or “lacking,” and it’s a handy way to build new words. You can use it to describe physical states, like being breathless, or to name an abstract quality, like hopelessness. The possibilities are endless… or not!