lifeless

adjective

life·​less ˈlīf-ləs How to pronounce lifeless (audio)
Synonyms of lifelessnext
: having no life:
a
: dead
b
: inanimate
c
: lacking qualities expressive of life and vigor : insipid
d
: destitute of living beings
lifelessly adverb
lifelessness noun

Synonyms of lifeless

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Examples of lifeless in a Sentence

a cold and lifeless landscape The book's plot was lifeless and predictable.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The juvenile green, leafy trees had vanished and were replaced by rows of thin, lifeless trunks staked into the ground like tombstones. — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026 But Bill Burk’s yellow bear tumbled limp and lifeless almost at my feet and for the next few minutes there was excited talk and the cleaning of the animal to offer distraction. — Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 15 July 2026 Two days later, David was found lifeless in his cell and on June 25 he was pronounced dead, just hours before his first court appearance. — Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026 Disney may have abandoned the idea to deepfake Johnson’s body, but his real-life presence is lifeless nonetheless. — Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for lifeless

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifeless was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

lifeleaf
lifeless
lifelessly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lifeless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeless. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lifeless

adjective
life·​less ˈlī-fləs How to pronounce lifeless (audio)
: having no life
lifelessly adverb
lifelessness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lifeless

Nglish: Translation of lifeless for Spanish Speakers

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