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

Germany’s feckless energy transition and its contribution to the Ukraine war.

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Stoodley agrees, saying that young fathers have historically been wrongfully "perceived as being feckless, disinterested and in some cases, a risk to their children".

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Moreover, Russia’s intelligence apparatus over the past 3½ years has proved feckless and faulty.

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Your husband won’t join you in therapy if you put pressure on him or threaten him with divorce or tell him that he is feckless if he does not come along.

Read more on MarketWatch

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.

Read more on 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.