lifeless

1 of 2

adjective

life·​less ˈlīf-ləs 

: 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

lifelessness

2 of 2

noun

life·​less·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being lifeless

Synonyms of lifeless

Adjective

• dead
• fallen
• deceased

Examples of lifeless in a Sentence

Adjective

a cold and lifeless landscape

The book's plot was lifeless and predictable.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Meanwhile, Zuckerberg, who mostly stays on the sidelines of the movie, is now a mighty billionaire and, as Strong plays him, a dour, lifeless dork. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

As one of their first witnesses, prosecutors called Karena Rosario, who found her roommate's lifeless, battered body. — CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

And at the same time, that image of Faye’s blue face, glazed-over eyes, and lifeless stare is going to follow me for a while. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026

Taking victory laps after beating a jetlagged Rams squad and a lifeless Dolphins outfit isn’t exactly ironclad science. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

lifeless

adjective

life·​less ˈlī-fləs 

: having no life

lifelessly adverb

lifelessness noun