Toothless - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Toothless means lacking teeth, either naturally or due to loss. It can describe a person, animal, or object without teeth. Figuratively, it implies weakness or ineffectiveness, as in a toothless law.
Definition:
Lacking teeth; ineffective or powerless due to weakness.
Synonyms:
edentulous, gumming, powerless, ineffective
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
toothed, powerful, effective
Common Collocations:
toothless grin, toothless smile, toothless law, toothless policy
Derivatives:
toothlessly, toothlessness
Usage Tips:
Use "toothless" literally for lacking teeth or figuratively for something weak or ineffective.
Common Phrases:
toothless wonder, toothless tiger, laugh like a toothless hag
Etymology:
From Old English "tōþ" (tooth) + "-lēas" (without), meaning "without teeth."
Examples:
- 1. The baby smiled with a toothless grin.
- 2. The old dog was friendly but completely toothless.
- 3. Critics called the new law a toothless regulation.
- 4. Her argument was weak and toothless against the evidence.