feckless

[fek-lis]

adjective

1. ineffective; incompetent; futile.

   feckless attempts to repair the plumbing.

2. having no sense of responsibility; indifferent; lazy.

feckless

/ ˈfɛklɪs /

adjective

1. feeble; weak; ineffectual; irresponsible

Other Word Forms

• fecklessly adverb
• fecklessness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of feckless¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; originally Scots, from feck ( late Middle English ( Scots ) fek, shortened from effeck, Scots form of effect ) + -less

Word History and Origins

Origin of feckless¹

C16: from obsolete feck value, effect + _-less

Example Sentences

She also offers a sharp contrast to the rest of the Democratic Party, which voters see, for good reason, as feckless, weak and corrupted by corporate interests.

From Salon

They cast their opponents as dangerous foreign-born criminals and their feckless enablers in the Democratic Party and mainstream media.

From Los Angeles Times

In the wake of this violence, California's feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens.

From BBC

This soulless group of feckless individuals consists of racists, misogynists, bed wetters, train spotters, and a guy who once painted his bald head to make it look like he had hair.

From Salon

And Trump acknowledged how great he was on several occasions as he continued to tell us how ineffective and feckless everyone else has been.

From Salon

When To Use

What does feckless mean?

Feckless describes an irresolute, weak, or ineffective action or person.Content warning: This article contains reference to some strong language.