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
After a forensic investigation and interviews with six clerks, the 11th Circuit Judicial Council issued a toothless private reprimand: Judge Ross was initially shielded from accountability, her identity shielded from public scrutiny.
From Slate ● Jun. 8, 2026
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
They are lulled into a smug confidence that his threats will always be toothless bluster.
From Salon ● Apr. 20, 2026
“Tell me about the scary toothless lunatic you and Florida keep referring to. Was he really toothless? Really a lunatic?”
From "Ruby Holler" by Sharon Creech
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
