Shapeless: meaning, definitions and examples

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shapeless

[ˈʃeɪpləs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

formless

Having no definite or distinct shape; lacking a clear form or structure.

Synonyms

amorphous, formless, unstructured.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shapeless	Shapeless is often used to describe something that specifically lacks a clear or definite shape, usually in a physical sense. It can also suggest something that is disordered or lacks structure. The melting ice cream became a shapeless mess on the table Her argument was weak and shapeless, lacking any clear point
formless	Formless is often used to emphasize the lack of structure or definite shape in a more poetic or literary context, and can also suggest something that is difficult to conceptualize. The fog created a formless gray blanket over the city His thoughts were formless, drifting without focus
amorphous	Amorphous is used in more technical or scientific contexts to describe something that does not have a specific shape or form, often used to refer to materials or abstract concepts. Amorphous silicon is used in some types of solar panels The team's goals were rather amorphous, lacking clear direction
unstructured	Unstructured is typically used to describe something that lacks organization or is not arranged in a definite pattern, often used in contexts such as data, activities, or environments. The data received from the survey was unstructured and hard to analyze They enjoyed the unstructured time during their vacation, free to do anything they wished

Examples of usage

The creature in the horror movie was portrayed as a shapeless mass of tentacles and teeth.
His memories of the accident were vague and shapeless, with no clear details.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

vague

Lacking clear boundaries or definition; not well-defined.

Synonyms

indistinct, unclear, undefined.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shapeless	Used when something lacks a clear or distinct form or shape, often implying that it's formless or has no defined structure. The blob of clay was shapeless before the artist began molding it. She wore a shapeless dress that did nothing to flatter her figure.
undefined	Used to describe something that does not have a distinct, explicit, or specific identity or definition; it often refers to abstract or vague concepts. The project's goals were undefined, making it difficult to measure success. Her feelings for him were undefined, leaving her confused about their relationship.
indistinct	Appropriate when something is not clearly or sharply defined, often referring to sounds, images, or impressions that lack clarity or detail. The figure in the distance was so indistinct that I couldn't tell if it was a person or an animal. His voice was indistinct over the poor-quality phone line.
unclear	Best used when something is not easily understood or is ambiguous, applying to information, thoughts, or intentions that are not clear. The instructions were unclear, so I had to guess what to do. It was unclear whether the meeting would be postponed or canceled.

Examples of usage

Her thoughts were a jumble of shapeless ideas, making it hard to focus.
The concept of time in his dream was shapeless, with hours blending into days.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'shape,' which refers to form or appearance, combined with the prefix 'less,' meaning 'without.'
The concept of shapelessness can be traced back to philosophical discussions regarding existence and form in ancient cultures.

Art

In abstract art, shapeless forms are often used to evoke emotions rather than represent tangible objects.
Famous artists like Jackson Pollock used non-shapeless techniques to explore spontaneity and the chaos of creation.

Psychology

People may associate shapelessness with feelings of uncertainty or lack of direction in life.
The mind tends to seek patterns and shapes, so encountering shapelessness can evoke discomfort or confusion.

Science

In physics, certain substances, like gels or some states of matter, can exhibit shapeless characteristics until they are contained.
Shapeless microorganisms, like amoebas, constantly change their shape as they move and interact with their environment.

Literature

In literature, shapelessness is often used as a metaphor to describe characters or situations where identity or direction is lost.
Many writers employ shapeless imagery to evoke feelings of despair or confusion in their narratives.

Translations

Translations of the word "shapeless" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sem forma

🇮🇳 बिना आकार का

🇩🇪 formlos

🇮🇩 tak berbentuk

🇺🇦 безформний

🇵🇱 bezkształtny

🇯🇵 形のない (かたちのない)

🇫🇷 informel

🇪🇸 sin forma

🇹🇷 şekilsiz

🇰🇷 형태가 없는

🇸🇦 بلا شكل

🇨🇿 beztvarý

🇸🇰 beztvarý

🇨🇳 无形的 (wúxíng de)

🇸🇮 brezobličen

🇮🇸 formlaus

🇰🇿 пішінсіз

🇬🇪 უსახო

🇦🇿 formasız

🇲🇽 sin forma

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,436, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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21433 decommissioning
21434 carcinogen
21435 pitiable
21436 shapeless
21437 motoring
21438 droppings
21439 abstention
...