handless
Americanadjective
-
without a hand or hands.
-
clumsy; awkward.
to be handless at a task.
Etymology
Origin of handless
First recorded in 1375–1425, handless is from the late Middle English word hand(e)les. See hand, -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.
"I couldn't wrap my head around the word 'torso'," she said, repeating "headless and handless".
From BBC • Jun. 17, 2026
Accepting the Gotham award for best supporting performance, he told the crowd that he wasn’t speechless but “absolutely handless right now.”
From Seattle Times • Feb. 16, 2022
“I’m just absolutely handless right now,” he signed from the stage.
From New York Times • Nov. 30, 2021
"First off, I’m absolutely handless right now," Kotsur said through sign language, shaking his hands.
From Fox News • Nov. 30, 2021
I began imagining myself a handless beggar in the market, unable to even use the bathroom.
From "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" by William Kamkwamba
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
