toothless

[tooth-lis]

adjective

1. lacking teeth. tooth.

2. without a serrated edge, as a saw.

3. lacking in force or sharpness; dull; ineffectual.

   a toothless argument.

Other Word Forms

• toothlessly adverb
• toothlessness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of toothless¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; tooth, -less

Example Sentences

While the government has agreed to back loans for JLR to support suppliers, Evtec's Mr Roberts said the policy was a "toothless solution".

Read more on BBC

Andy looks like a human adult but behaves like an awkward, stammering middle-schooler eager to ingratiate himself with his peers by telling toothless jokes straight out of a Scholastic pun manual.

Read more on Salon

Advocates and some lawmakers say a toothless enforcement system is often to blame.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Besides, treating topical humor in the same way that a toothless, mangy mutt gums a dumpster bone is not the same as maintaining neutrality.

Read more on Salon

As part of the shake-up, the existing watchdog, which has been criticised as "toothless", will be scrapped.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• flat