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Childless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿšซ
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childless

[หˆtสƒaษชldlษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

having no children

Childless is an adjective that describes a person or a couple who do not have any children. It can be a conscious choice or due to circumstances. Being childless can bring both challenges and freedom.

Synonyms

childfree, not a parent, without children.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
childless

Used when referring to someone who does not have children, usually with a neutral or slightly sympathetic connotation, sometimes implying that the person may have wanted children but does not have any.

  • He was childless and often felt alone during the holidays.
  • The couple is childless, but they have many pets.
childfree

Refers to someone who has made a deliberate choice not to have children. It emphasizes the person's autonomy and can sometimes be empowering or politically charged.

  • She is childfree and loves traveling the world.
  • Being childfree gives him the freedom to focus on his career.
without children

General term that indicates the absence of children, often used to compare situations or lifestyles, but without implication of choice or circumstances.

  • They live without children and enjoy a quiet home life.
  • She went to the concert without children and had a great time.
not a parent

A straightforward phrase that indicates someone does not have the role of a parent, without any connotations regarding choice or feelings about the situation.

  • He's not a parent, so he doesn't understand the challenges of raising kids.
  • Not being a parent, she has more time for her hobbies.

Examples of usage

  • Despite their best efforts, the couple remained childless.
  • She felt judged by society for being childless.
  • Many childless individuals find fulfillment in other aspects of their lives.
  • The childless couple enjoyed the flexibility to travel whenever they wanted.
  • Having a child is not a guarantee of happiness, and being childless is not a guarantee of loneliness.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, being childless can be seen as a personal choice, while in others, it may carry social stigma.
  • Certain communities celebrate childlessness, viewing it as a path to personal freedom and self-discovery.
  • Historically, many societies placed value on having children for family lineage and legacy, affecting views on those without kids.

Psychology

  • Research shows that childless individuals often experience differing levels of life satisfaction than parents, influenced by social support networks.
  • The decision to remain childless can be purposeful, often linked to career goals or lifestyle preferences.
  • Some studies suggest that remorse about being childless is less common in those who actively chose this path compared to those who wished for children but could not have them.

Literature

  • Numerous novels explore themes of childlessness, often portraying characters who grapple with feelings of isolation or societal expectations.
  • Famous authors like Virginia Woolf and Emily Dickinson were known for their perspectives on life without children, using their experiences to reflect on identity and purpose.

Healthcare

  • Childlessness can sometimes be due to medical issues affecting fertility, which is a common concern in many societies today.
  • There are various treatments available for those wishing to have children, but not everyone chooses to pursue them.

Origin of 'childless'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English โ€˜cildโ€™, meaning child, and โ€˜lessโ€™, meaning without.
  • It has been used in English since around the 14th century to describe those without offspring.

The term 'childless' originated in the late 16th century, combining 'child' with the suffix '-less,' meaning 'without.' It has been used to describe individuals or couples who do not have children, whether by choice or circumstance. The concept of being childless has evolved over time, with societal attitudes towards childlessness shifting. While historically there was stigma attached to not having children, modern society is more accepting of diverse family structures and choices.

See also: child, childbearing, childbirth, childfree, childhood, childish, childishly, childishness, childlessness, childlike, childminder, children.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,600, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.