senseless

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English[edit]

Alternative forms[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From sense +‎ -less. Compare Saterland Frisian sinloos (senseless, foolish).

Pronunciation[edit]

  • IPA(key): /ˈsɛnsləs/
  • Audio (Southern England):(file)
  • Hyphenation: sense‧less

Adjective[edit]

senseless (comparative more senseless, superlative most senseless)

  1. Without feeling or desire to work; deprived of sensation.
    Synonyms: unconscious, insensible
    The blow to his head rendered him senseless, he didn't awaken until he was in the ambulance.
    • 1817 December, Percy Bysshe Shelley, “The Revolt of Islam. []”, in [Mary] Shelley, editor, The Poetical Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley. [], volume I, London: Edward Moxon [], published 1839, →OCLC, page 223:
      That hoary man had spent his livelong age
      In converse with the dead, who leave the stamp
      Of ever-burning thoughts on many a page,
      When they are gone into the senseless damp
      Of graves; []
  2. Lacking meaning or purpose; without common sense.
    Synonyms: pointless, meaningless
    What a senseless waste of money.
  3. Without a discernible meaning or purpose, especially of a violent or evil act.
    The school shooting was a senseless act of violence.
  4. Without consideration, awareness or sound judgement
    Synonyms: unreasonable, unwise, stupid
    He took senseless risks, not even aware of the danger he was in.

Related terms[edit]

Translations[edit]

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See also[edit]

References[edit]