earthbound

¹ American  

[urth-bound] / ˈɜrθˌbaʊnd /

Or earth-bound

adjective

1. firmly set in or attached to the earth.

2. limited to the earth or its surface.

3. having only earthly interests.

4. lacking in imagination or sophistication.

   earthbound prose.

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earthbound ² American  

[urth-bound] / ˈɜrθˌbaʊnd /

Or earth-bound

adjective

1. headed for the earth.

   an earthbound meteorite.

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earthbound British  

/ ˈɜːθˌbaʊnd /

adjective

1. confined to the earth

2. lacking in imagination; pedestrian or dull

3. moving or heading towards the earth

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Etymology

Origin of earthbound¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; earth + -bound ¹

Origin of earthbound²

First recorded in 1930–35; earth + -bound ²

Example Sentences

For now, the company’s data center ambitions are earthbound, and operating them is very resource-intensive.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

“The Rainseekers” is a pleasant break from high-stakes sci-fi, and is ultimately something earthbound and relatable: a story about pilgrims on a journey, hoping to see a miracle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

As the trees break off or fall, the downed logs become food and cover for earthbound species and eventually decay into nutrients in the soil.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 28, 2025

Evolution had usually been thought of in reference to earthbound processes.

From Slate • Oct. 21, 2024

The way they transformed into such airy, weightless beings while dancing, when offstage they were all earthbound muscle and sweaty concentration!

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• dreary
• humdrum
• lackluster
• mundane