Definition

Having no teeth or lacking sharpness; can also refer to something that is weak or ineffective.

Example

The old dog was toothless but still loved to play.

Conversation

Did you see that old dog at the park?

Yeah, it was so cute, but it looked a bit toothless.

I wonder how old it is to be so toothless like that.

Probably quite a few years — it still seemed happy, though!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Toothless → It is formed from "tooth" (from Old English *toþ*, meaning a hard structure in the mouth used for biting) and "-less" (meaning without). The word "toothless" describes the state of being without teeth.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'without' ('-less') 'teeth' ('tooth') — that's why toothless means lacking teeth.

Visually Confused Words