Definition

Describing a situation where a person does not have a successor or someone to inherit their property or title.

Example

The king died heirless, leaving the throne without a rightful successor.

Conversation

Did you hear that the old mansion is heirless?

Really? I wonder what will happen to it now.

They might turn it into a museum or something interesting.

That would be cool! It’s a shame it’s heirless though.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Heirless is formed from "heir" (from Old French *air*, meaning one who inherits) and "-less" (meaning without). The word "heirless" means without an heir or lacking someone to inherit.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'without' ('-less') an 'heir' — that's why heirless means lacking an heir.

Visually Confused Words