online vocabulary.com

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.

rudderless

/ˈrʌdərləs/ /ˈrʌdələs/

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.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS