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Synonyms

toothless

American  
[tooth-lis] / ˈtuθ lɪs /

adjective

  1. lacking teeth. tooth.

  2. without a serrated edge, as a saw.

  3. lacking in force or sharpness; dull; ineffectual.

    a toothless argument.


Other Word Forms

  • toothlessly adverb
  • toothlessness noun

Etymology

Origin of toothless

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; tooth, -less

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But in the context of a horror movie, even a milder one aimed at younger viewers, they too often come off as silly and toothless.

From Los Angeles Times

The home crowd anticipated waves of attack but United failed to take advantage, proving toothless against David Moyes' battling team.

From Barron's

But because they had all worked the night before, they were especially toothless.

From Los Angeles Times

Her conclusion was startling, her tone defiant: “Put me wherever you want: misguided socialist, toothless humanist, naïve novelist, useful idiot, apologist, denier, ally, contrarian, collaborator, traitor, inexcusable coward.”

From Los Angeles Times

Asean advocates says this is what keeps it united, and that it can quietly exert pressure effectively behind the scenes – but detractors say it makes it toothless.

From BBC