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Lifeless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lifeless

[ˈlaɪflɪs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Without energy or enthusiasm; lacking vitality or liveliness.

Synonyms

boring, drab, dull, inactive, listless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lifeless

Use this word when describing something that appears to lack energy, movement, or spirit. It often has a negative connotation.

  • The town felt lifeless after the factory closed down.
  • His performance was lifeless and failed to engage the audience.
dull

This word can describe something that is not sharp or something that is uninteresting or monotonous. It can be used in various contexts.

  • The knife was too dull to cut through the bread.
  • The party was dull, with no music or games to entertain the guests.
drab

Use this word to describe something that is dull and lacking in color or brightness. It often refers to physical appearance or atmosphere.

  • Her outfit was quite drab, all in gray and brown.
  • The office looked drab without any decorations.
boring

This word is commonly used to describe something that fails to hold interest or excitement. It's often used in casual contexts.

  • The lecture was so boring that I almost fell asleep.
  • This movie is really boring; let's watch something else.
listless

This word describes someone who lacks energy, enthusiasm, or interest in what they are doing. It often implies a sense of tiredness or apathy.

  • She felt listless after working a double shift.
  • The team looked listless and unmotivated during the game.
inactive

Use this word to describe someone or something that is not active or is not moving. It can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

  • After the surgery, he was inactive for several weeks.
  • The volcano has been inactive for centuries.

Examples of usage

  • She stared at the lifeless body in shock.
  • The room felt cold and lifeless without any decorations.
  • His eyes were dull and lifeless, showing no emotion.
  • The once vibrant city now seemed gray and lifeless.
  • Her voice sounded flat and lifeless on the phone.
Context #2 | Adjective

appearance

Not showing any sign of life; dead.

Synonyms

dead, inactive, inanimate, motionless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lifeless

Used to describe something or someone that lacks energy, vitality, or emotion. Often used in artistic or dramatic contexts.

  • The lifeless performance failed to capture the audience's interest
  • His speech was flat and lifeless, putting everyone to sleep
dead

Commonly used to describe someone who has passed away, but also used metaphorically for technology, social settings, or things that are no longer effective or lively. Can be negative when used metaphorically.

  • The battery is dead; we'll need a new one
  • The party was dead by 11 PM, so everyone left early
inanimate

Describes objects not having life, typically used in a literal sense. Often used in scientific or educational contexts.

  • Rocks and minerals are examples of inanimate objects
  • The robot lay inanimate on the workbench, awaiting repairs
motionless

Describes something that is completely still and not moving. Commonly used in contexts indicating physical stillness.
inactive

Refers to someone or something not engaging in activity or movement. Often used in contexts related to physical activity, work, or technology. Generally neutral.

  • The volcano has been inactive for centuries
  • His gym membership is inactive because he hasn't visited in months

Examples of usage

  • The lifeless leaves crunched under our feet.
  • The lifeless body was found in the abandoned house.
  • The lifeless trees stood like statues in the park.
  • The lifeless sea was calm and still under the moonlight.

Translations

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

Origin of 'lifeless'

The word 'lifeless' originated from the combination of 'life' and the suffix '-less', which means 'without'. It first appeared in the late 16th century in English literature. The concept of lifelessness has been explored in various forms of art and literature, representing the absence of vitality, energy, or animation. Throughout history, the word has been used to describe objects, environments, and emotions that lack life or liveliness.

See also: afterlife, alive, life, lifebuoy, lifelessly, lifelessness, lifeline, lifelong, lifemode, lifesaver, lifespan, lifestyle, lifetime, lifeway.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,793, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.