Childless: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.