flightless

American  

[flahyt-lis] / ˈflaɪt lɪs /

adjective

1. incapable of flying.

   flightless birds such as the moa, rhea, and dodo.

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flightless British  

/ ˈflaɪtlɪs /

adjective

1. (of certain birds and insects) unable to fly See also ratite

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Etymology

Origin of flightless

First recorded in 1870–75; flight ¹ + -less

Example Sentences

The site contains a large collection of fossils dating back about 1 million years, including a previously unknown ancestor of the kākāpō, a large flightless parrot.

From Science Daily

Scientists believe Pennaraptora evolved feathers for flight, but environmental changes may have led some species to lose that ability over time, similar to flightless birds today such as ostriches and penguins.

From Science Daily

Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort in the Mall of the Emirates, offers an “ultimate penguin experience” where guests can feed its resident flightless birds, despite summertime temperatures outside that sometimes surpass 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

From The Wall Street Journal

For a people nicknamed after a flightless bird, taking off overseas has somewhat ironically become a rite of passage for many New Zealanders.

From BBC

A one-eyed flightless African Grey parrot has been given a specially-adapted aviary to help her thrive.

From BBC