stateless

[steyt-lis]

adjective

1. lacking nationality.

2. Finance.,  of, relating to, or consisting of any currency deposited in banks outside the country of original issue.

stateless

/ ˈsteɪtlɪs /

adjective

1. without nationality

   stateless persons

2. without a state or states

3. without ceremonial dignity

Other Word Forms

• statelessness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of stateless¹

First recorded in 1600–10; state + -less

Example Sentences

The right of innocent passage remains a cornerstone of maritime law, but stateless vessels technically are not entitled to it.

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“Sometimes it feels like we are a stateless people.”

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"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."

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Experts warn this could create a generation of “stateless” or partially recognized residents with unclear legal status.

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"When I was told for the first time that I am a 'stateless person', I could not accept it."

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