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.
Kane is England's 'Mr Irreplaceable' - as proved when Thomas Tuchel's side were ominously toothless when drawing with Uruguay then losing to Japan in March friendlies at Wembley.
From BBC ● Jun. 6, 2026
By rendering the subpoena a nullity, McElroy left O’Connor nothing to enforce, making his earlier order toothless.
From Slate ● May 19, 2026
They are lulled into a smug confidence that his threats will always be toothless bluster.
From Salon ● Apr. 20, 2026
By now most Americans and Canadians know of Jack Hughes, the impossibly toothy and toothless forward on the 2026 U.S.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 27, 2026
A toothless smile quivered on the ancient lips.
From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin
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.
