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.
But the black market continues to thrive and state regulation has proved toothless.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026
He announced how his department intended to prioritise spending on UK firms and change the "toothless" procurement system, describing the approach as "unashamedly pro-Britain".
From BBC ● Jun. 9, 2026
By rendering the subpoena a nullity, McElroy left O’Connor nothing to enforce, making his earlier order toothless.
From Slate ● May 19, 2026
Standing about 25 inches tall, it likely had a toothless beak, large eye sockets, and hollow bones.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 23, 2026
He greeted her and she replied, covering her mouth with her fingers as she spoke, to hide her toothless gums.
From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende
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.
