Definition

The condition of lacking tone or pitch in voice or sound.

Example

The singer's tonelessness made it difficult for the audience to enjoy the performance.

Conversation

Have you noticed how some songs have a feeling of tonelessness?

Yeah, it makes them hard to enjoy sometimes.

Exactly! I prefer music that has more emotion and depth.

Same here — it really makes a difference in how we connect to it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tonelessness → It is formed from "tone" (from Latin "tonus", meaning sound or tone) and "-less" (meaning without) and "-ness" (meaning the state of). The word "tonelessness" refers to the state of being without tone or sound.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'without' ('-less') a 'sound' ('tone') — that's what tonelessness means.

Visually Confused Words