lifeless

adjective

life·​less ˈlīf-ləs How to pronounce lifeless (audio)
Synonyms of lifelessnext
: having no life:
a
: dead
b
: inanimate
c
: lacking qualities expressive of life and vigor : insipid
d
: destitute of living beings
lifelessly adverb
lifelessness noun

Synonyms of lifeless

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Examples of lifeless in a Sentence

a cold and lifeless landscape The book's plot was lifeless and predictable.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Samaro's body arrived there in an ambulance, lifeless. — Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 26 June 2026 There’s no sugarcoating how lifeless the offense looked this weekend. — Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 29 June 2026 One woman scheduled a viewing to say goodbye to her almost-3-year-old pit bull, his muscular, auburn body now lifeless. — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 25 June 2026 Her lifeless body was later found in North Philadelphia. — Joe Holden, CBS News, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lifeless

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lifeless was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

lifeleaf
lifeless
lifelessly
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Cite this Entry

“Lifeless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifeless. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lifeless

adjective
life·​less ˈlī-fləs How to pronounce lifeless (audio)
: having no life
lifelessly adverb
lifelessness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lifeless

Nglish: Translation of lifeless for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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