Definition

The condition of being ineffective or not producing any useful results.

Example

His efforts were met with bootlessness, as nothing seemed to change.

Conversation

I felt a sense of bootlessness when I realized my efforts weren’t making a difference.

Yeah, that can be really discouraging sometimes.

It's tough to keep going when everything seems so unavailing.

I know what you mean, but sometimes it's the little steps that count.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bootlessness is formed from "boot" (from Old English *bōt*, meaning remedy or compensation) and "-lessness" (meaning without). The word describes a state of being without remedy or compensation.

Memory Tip

Think of 'boot' as a remedy or compensation, and '-lessness' means without. So, bootlessness means being without a remedy.

Visually Confused Words