Rudderless - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Rudderless means lacking direction, guidance, or control, like a boat without a rudder. It describes someone or something adrift, without clear purpose or leadership.
Definition:
Lacking direction or guidance, often due to the absence of a leader or clear purpose.
Synonyms:
aimless, adrift, directionless, unguided
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
guided, purposeful, directed
Common Collocations:
rudderless ship, rudderless leadership, rudderless government
Derivatives:
rudderlessly (adverb), rudderlessness (noun)
Usage Tips:
Use "rudderless" to describe a person or group lacking clear direction or leadership.
Common Phrases:
left rudderless, feeling rudderless, a rudderless existence
Etymology:
Derived from "rudder," meaning a steering device for ships, combined with "-less," indicating absence.
Examples:
- 1. The team felt rudderless after their coach resigned unexpectedly.
- 2. Without a clear plan, the project became rudderless and chaotic.
- 3. She described her life as rudderless after graduating college without a job.
- 4. The company struggled during its rudderless transition between CEOs.