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Synonyms

toothless

American  
[tooth-lis] / ˈtuθ lɪs /

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

Etymology

Origin of toothless

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; 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's potential absence is an immediate concern, leaving Tuchel short of viable alternatives when he needs them most, especially given these two toothless performances without him.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

The toothless bottom-feeder, which looks like a prehistoric catfish and can weigh over 200 pounds, has been overfished globally.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

Gvardiol also sent an audacious back-flick against the post and had a close-range shot blocked with the goal at his mercy, leaving Guardiola to count the cost of their toothless display.

From Barron's • Jan. 1, 2026

Those goals conceded were from Erling Haaland, a Richarlison stunner from the halfway line and a surprise late header from Tolu Arokodare for usually toothless Wolves.

From BBC • Dec. 23, 2025

Beneath it, we found a toothless woman with stringy gray­ing hair and sores on her arms.

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini