Definition

Describing someone who does not have any living parents.

Example

The orphanage provides support for parentless children.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new program for parentless kids in our town?

Yeah, I read about it! It's nice that they're offering support.

I can’t imagine how tough it must be for those children.

Absolutely, having a strong support system is so important.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Parentless → It is formed from "parent" (from Latin "parens", meaning father or mother) and "-less" (meaning without). The word "parentless" means without a parent or lacking parental figures.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'without' ('-less') a 'father or mother' ('parent') — that's why parentless means lacking parents.

Visually Confused Words