Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈtʃaɪldləsnəs/
KK: /ˈtʃaɪldləsnəs/
Definition
The condition of not having any children.
Example
Many couples face the challenges of childlessness in their lives.
Conversation

Have you ever thought about how childlessness affects people's lives?

Yeah, it can really change how someone views the future.

I agree, it seems like a big decision that not everyone talks about.

Definitely, and it's important to respect everyone's choices.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
infertility
barrenness
sterility
Antonyms
parenthood
fertility
progeny
Root Explanation
Childlessness is formed from "child" (from Old English "cild", meaning a young human being) and "-lessness" (meaning without). The word describes the state of being without children.
Memory Tip
Think of 'child' as a young human and '-lessness' meaning without — so childlessness means being without children.
Visually Confused Words
shieldlessness
cloudlessness
oillessness
christlessness
choicelessness
windlessness
toillessness
tidelessness