toothless
Americanadjective
-
lacking teeth.
-
without a serrated edge, as a saw.
-
lacking in force or sharpness; dull; ineffectual.
a toothless argument.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of toothless
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at tooth, -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.
That’s the perfect summation of the toothless film Johnson has crafted.
From Salon ● Aug. 12, 2026
By rendering the subpoena a nullity, McElroy left O’Connor nothing to enforce, making his earlier order toothless.
From Slate ● May 19, 2026
Kane's potential absence is an immediate concern, leaving Tuchel short of viable alternatives when he needs them most, especially given these two toothless performances without him.
From BBC ● Mar. 31, 2026
The partially toothless Jack Hughes, left alone on the left wing, beat Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington cleanly 1:41 into the extra period to set off a wild celebration for the Americans.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 24, 2026
Her voice was strange—muffled and uncertain and toothless.
From "Louisiana's Way Home" by Kate DiCamillo
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.
