Definition

Describing something that does not have a person riding on it.

Example

The riderless horse trotted around the arena, looking for its owner.

Conversation

Did you see that bike going down the street all riderless?

Yeah, it looked a bit strange without anyone on it.

I wonder how that happened; did someone lose control?

Possibly! I hope the owner finds it soon.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Riderless → It is formed from "rider" (from Old English "rīdere", meaning one who rides) and "-less" (meaning without). The word "riderless" means without a rider or someone who rides.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who rides ('rider') and the suffix '-less' meaning without — so riderless means without a rider.

Visually Confused Words