Flavorless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flavorless

[ˈfleɪvərləs ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

tasteless

Having no flavor or taste, lacking in distinctive qualities.

Synonyms

bland, insipid, tasteless, unappetizing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flavorless	This term is used when something lacks any distinctive taste whatsoever. The soup was completely flavorless after boiling for hours. The candy seemed old and flavorless.
tasteless	Generally negative, implying that something has no flavor or that it is in poor taste or offensive. The dish was tasteless, so I decided not to eat it. His comments were tasteless and made everyone uncomfortable.
bland	Often used for food that lacks strong taste, it can also extend to describe something uninteresting or dull in other contexts. The chicken was bland and needed more seasoning. His speech was so bland that no one paid attention.
insipid	Used to describe food that lacks taste or flavor, it can also describe something that lacks exciting or interesting qualities. The coffee was insipid and barely drinkable. The movie was insipid, and I almost fell asleep.
unappetizing	Used to describe food or a dish that doesn't look or taste appealing, discouraging one from wanting to eat it. The grey color of the stew made it look unappetizing. The leftovers had become unappetizing after sitting in the fridge for days.

Examples of usage

The soup was so flavorless that I had to add salt and pepper to make it edible.
The chicken dish was bland and flavorless, disappointing everyone at the dinner party.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

Flavorless dishes are often a result of insufficient seasoning, which highlights the importance of herbs and spices in cooking.
Many health-conscious food products are marketed as 'flavorless' to appeal to those seeking to reduce sugar or salt intake, though they might still lack appeal.

Psychology

Research in food psychology suggests that the perception of taste can be influenced not just by flavor but by the color and presentation of food.
Experiments show that people may even experience a food as bland if they believe it to be unhealthy or if it has an unappealing appearance.

Pop Culture

Some popular cooking shows emphasize the importance of seasoning, often criticizing contestants for creating flavorless meals.
In recent years, the trend towards minimalist cuisine has sparked debates about whether flavorless food can still be considered art.

Nutrition

Certain dietary modifications, like reducing sodium or sugar, can lead to meals that taste more flavorless, prompting the search for alternative flavor-enhancing methods.
Flavorless fruits and vegetables can sometimes be attributed to growing conditions, such as lack of sunlight or nutrients in the soil.

Origin of 'flavorless'

Main points about word origin

The word is formed by adding the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' to 'flavor', which comes from the Latin 'flavor' meaning 'a seasoning or taste'.
In the 19th century, the term 'flavorless' began being used in English to describe both food and drinks that lacked taste.

The word 'flavorless' originates from the combination of 'flavor' meaning taste or quality that something has when you eat or drink it, and the suffix '-less' meaning without. It first appeared in written English in the mid-17th century, evolving to describe something that lacks taste or flavor.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,666, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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39663 spadeful
39664 punctiliousness
39665 semivowel
39666 flavorless
39667 depraving
39668 tintype
39669 magniloquent
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