bootless

[ boot-lis ]

/ ˈbut lɪs /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR bootless ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

without result, gain, or advantage; unavailing; useless.

Nearby words

Origin of bootless

before 1000; Middle English bot(e)les, Old English bōtlēas unpardonable. See boot², -less

Related formsboot·less·ly, adverbboot·less·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for bootless

The Democrats sensibly blamed the feckless, bootless Bush administration for the collapse of the markets.
GOP R.I.P.|John Batchelor|April 10, 2009|DAILY BEAST
He wore nothing but a rough flax mat round his waist—trouserless, bootless, hatless.
The adventures of Kimble Bent|James Cowan
It is mentioned by Cnut as one of the bootless crimes, and under the Saxon laws was punishable by death.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 6|Various
The bootless feet of the Texan had left no mark on the buffalo grass.
Prairie Flowers|James B. Hendryx

I thought you knew me well enough not to tease me with bootless prayers.
Modern Icelandic Plays|Jhann Sigurjnsson
Wring not your hands, 'tis bootless; use the means That may preserve you.
The Plays of Philip Massinger|Philip Massinger

British Dictionary definitions for bootless

bootless

/ (ˈbuːtlɪs) /

adjective

of little or no use; vain; fruitlessa bootless search

Derived Formsbootlessly, adverb

Word Origin for bootless

Old English bōtlēas, from bōt compensation; Old Norse bótalauss

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for bootless

bootless

adj.2

late Old English botleas "unpardonable, not to be atoned for, without help or remedy," from boot (n.2) + -less. Meaning "useless, unprofitable" is from early 15c.