Definition

Describing something that does not have an engine.

Example

The engineless boat floated silently on the water.

Conversation

I saw an engineless boat at the lake yesterday.

Really? How does that even work?

It just uses sails for movement, which is pretty cool.

That sounds interesting! I'd love to try sailing one day.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Engineless → It is formed from "engine" (from Old French *engin*, meaning skill or cleverness, later referring to a machine) and "-less" (meaning without). The word "engineless" means without an engine or lacking a machine.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'without' ('-less') a 'machine' or 'skill' ('engine') — that's what engineless means.

Visually Confused Words